Police are investigating a fire that tore through the Senior Citizen Greek Cafe in Woodville Park on Thursday night, leaving the popular community hub severely damaged.
Emergency services were called to the Kilkenny Road premises about 10.30pm, with eight fire crews battling the blaze. Tables, chairs and a fridge were destroyed, and the shopfront’s glass frame shattered. Neighbouring properties were not affected.
Cafe owner George, known locally as Bugsy, said he was “devastated” after rushing to the scene. “I came down in and it was already gone,” he said. “It’s devastating, it’s hard to believe it happened.”
The venue, which has operated for two and a half years, has been a gathering place for elderly Greek and Yugoslav residents. George said around 30–50 people would visit on weekends to enjoy coffee, read the paper and play cards.
Fire investigators have ruled the cause as undetermined, though George said he does not believe the blaze was suspicious.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: The Advertiser.
