Morley Market fire victims still struggling a year on

One year after a devastating fire destroyed the Morley Market shopping centre in Perth's north-east, affected business owners continue to struggle with the emotional and financial aftermath of losing their livelihoods. The September blaze gutted the complex housing over 20 mostly family-run stores and restaurants, with owners like Mojgan Fakhar of Frida Tattoo Studio losing seven years of work overnight. While some businesses have relocated, others, including barber Mohammad Frahim, cannot find affordable new sites, and authorities could not determine the fire's cause due to severe damage. A fire department debrief revealed a non-operational local alarm may have delayed detection and containment, frustrating owners like Mina Eshan who lost over $200,000. Many face insurance difficulties, with some lacking contents coverage, while the City of Bayswater reports no redevelopment applications for the still-vacant site.