Fire victims have a long road ahead

By Samantha Elley

Paul Wu and Kristina Nhen know it will be a long road to get their business back on track.

The restauranteurs and owners of the Mun-Tien Chinese and Thai Restaurant suffered a major setback when their business was one of two damaged by fire in Walker Street, Casino late last month.

“I have spent half my life in that business,” said Mr Wu.

“We came to Casino 22 years ago and the kids grew up with that restaurant in their lives.”

The community has rallied to help Mr Wu and Ms Nhen, along with Lorraine Webber, who owned the laundromat and sewing business next door, which was also badly damaged.

Veronica Wheatley of Red Cross, Lorraine Webber, Margaret Boyle and Maxine Booby of Red Cross and Kristina Nhen and Paul Wu.

Last week the Red Cross ladies from the Doubtful Creek branch gave both sets of business owners $500 each.

“We wanted to help them with their businesses and get something to them,” said Red Cross spokesperson Veronica Wheatley.

Ms Nehn said every little bit helped.

“We are very, very appreciative for what the ladies have given us,” she said.

“This was our livelihood, that paid our bills and our mortgage.”

The couple now need to wait for council to decide when they can go in and start the clean up.

“The cool room was damaged but the freezer seems ok,” said Mr Wu.

“We lost the dish washer and everything else, but it looks like the takeaway containers were saved.”

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