Morley Market Business Owners Continue to Face Hardships One Year Post-Fire
By Editor • September 3, 2026 • 2 min read
A year after a devastating fire engulfed the Morley Market in Perth's north-east, many small business owners are still grappling with the aftermath. While some have managed to find new locations, others remain in search of a suitable spot to restart their ventures.
Mojgan Fakhar, who ran Frida Tattoo Studio, expressed the emotional toll of losing her business in a single night. “Seven years I worked hard for my business, and in one night I lost everything,” she lamented. Her experience reflects the ongoing struggles faced by many who lost their livelihoods in the fire that destroyed the longstanding market.
The Morley Market was home to over 20 family-owned businesses, most of which were deeply rooted in the community. Mohammad Frahim, who operated Monte Carlo Hairstylists, reported difficulties in finding a new site to reopen his barber shop. “It's very hard to re-establish; some people get a chance, but others are not getting that opportunity,” he shared, emphasizing the financial hurdles involved in starting anew.
Fakhar has relocated to a smaller space nearby but admits it has been a challenging transition. “Emotionally I’ve tried to get back to normal, but it’s still not the same as before,” she said, noting that her new setup is less equipped than her previous one.
Compounding the pain for the business owners is the fact that authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which left behind a severely damaged building. A debrief document from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services indicated that if a local alarm had been operational, early detection might have prevented the extensive damage.
Many proprietors are also facing difficulties with insurance claims. Mina Eshan, who lost over $200,000 when her Bella Skin Clinic was destroyed, highlighted the lack of answers. “It’s not just about money; it’s about preventing this from happening again,” she emphasized. Several business owners lamented not having contents insurance, which has left them without crucial support.
The City of Bayswater has attempted to assist those affected by establishing a recovery hub at Morley Library, but business owners like Frahim are calling for more substantial government intervention to support those who lost everything in the fire. Meanwhile, the site of the Morley Market remains vacant, while redevelopment plans for the nearby Morley Galleria are underway.
Source: www.abc.net.au
