Arabic version: شركات سوق مورلي تكافح بعد عام من الحريق

According to ABC News, many small business owners who lost their livelihoods in the Morley Market fire are still struggling a year after the blaze destroyed the Perth north-east shopping centre. The market, which housed more than 20 mostly family-run stores and restaurants, was gutted in September 2025 and has since been demolished.

Mojgan Fakhar, who owned Frida Tattoo Studio at the market, said she lost everything after seven years of work. She has reopened in a smaller nearby premises, although she said the rebuilt business is not as large or as equipped as it was before. Mohammad Frahim, who ran Monte Carlo Hairstylists, said he was still searching for a new barber shop site and that restarting required substantial money.

Authorities could not determine the cause of the fire because of the severe damage. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services debrief document seen by ABC News identified that a “local alarm” was not operational. The document said an operational alarm would have enabled early detection and might have led to early containment.

Insurance has also been difficult for some owners. Mr Frahim said he had public liability insurance but no contents cover, while Mina Eshan said Bella Skin Clinic lost more than $200,000 worth of assets. Mr Frahim called for government help for shopkeepers who had lost their businesses without insurance.

The City of Bayswater said it established a recovery hub at Morley Library, with agencies, translators and community drop-in sessions for affected owners, employees, tenants and customers. Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the city had not received redevelopment applications for the fenced vacant site. Across the road, a multi-million-dollar upgrade of Morley Galleria shopping centre is underway.