Queen St Goodna fire: Goodna Street Life op shop building destroyed

Multiple firefighter crews rushed to the scene of the blaze which destroyed a much-loved shop in Ipswich, with police blocking off a main thoroughfare.

Firefighters battle a fire which destroyed the Goodna Street Life op shop on Tuesday morning.

Police are investigating after the “cornerstone” of a crucial Ipswich charity which works tirelessly to support the city’s homeless was destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning.

Multiple firefighter crews rushed to the Goodna Street Life op shop on the corner of Queen and Little streets after receiving a call just after 4am.

Three crews remain on scene with the fire now under control and everyone accounted for.

Multiple crews rushed to the scene after receiving the call just after 4am.

Smoke is expected to impact surrounding areas for several hours and residents are encouraged to close windows and doors and keep respiratory medications close by.

Queen Street was blocked off by police between Alice and Mill streets.

A Queensland Police spokesman said a crime scene has been established and police are continuing to “investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire”.

Goodna Street Life vice president Steve Purcell said the shop and been operating for four years and the money it brought in was integral to funding all of the charity’s services.

“It’s been gutted,” he said.

The shop has been operating for four years on Queen Street.

“It’s a complete loss.

“It’s pretty devastating. We’re trying to work out what we can do and the next step to keep everything going. I think everyone is in a bit of shock.”

Mr Purcell said the shop is manned by a dedicated group of between five and 10 volunteers every day.

“They are devastated,” he said.

“(Goodna Street Life founder Helen Youngberry’s mother) is 83-years-old and she runs the op shop. That’s her life there. She’s worked so hard.

“No one was hurt and we can always rebuild.

Goodna Street Life president Helen Youngberry and vice-president Steve Purcell

“That op shop provides the income which provides our services and housing. We’re self-funded. We bring in maybe $5000-$6000 a week from that building which pays for our services. It pays for everything we do.

“We always struggle to pay our bills as it is. We just barely survived Covid and the lockdowns. It’s really hit us hard.

“But we are battlers and we are survivors and this is not going to stop us. The team and the volunteers that make Goodna Street Life happen are dedicated and we will come back stronger.”

The charity is hoping to reopen at a new location as soon as possible but is not accepting clothing donations at this stage.

If you can help out, donate here.

Read more stories by Lachlan McIvor here.

Originally published as Queen St Goodna fire: Goodna Street Life op shop building destroyed