A well-loved coffee van at Curl Curl Beach carpark has been badly damaged by fire overnight, with police establishing a crime scene and launching an investigation.
Emergency services were called to Adams Street, Curl Curl, about 3.45am on Wednesday 4 November following reports of a fire.
Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command found a coffee van, Billys, alight. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the van sustained significant damage.
The owner of Billys Curl Curl, Jamie, said on Instagram this morning the van had been broken into before it was set on fire, and that the incident was captured on camera.
“There’s a lot of paper work to do and I’m not sure how and when we can get back up and running,” he said, adding the loss of machinery and equipment came at a huge cost to their family and “everyone involved in this little Curl Curl community”.
“We promise we will be back but just can’t say when atm.”
We have reached out to Billys and will add more to the story as we liaise with those affected.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact Northern Beaches Police Area Command (Dee Why police) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, Jamie’s friend Jesse Cahalan has set up a fundraiser to keep the business afloat while they sort out the repair work.
Jesse wrote: “Last night, something absolutely devastating happened to our mate Jamie. Our much-loved little community coffee Billy’s was broken into and deliberately set on fire, destroying everything inside.
In the space of one night, years of hard work, dedication and everything that went into building his business was gone.
For Jamie, this isn’t just a coffee shop. It’s his livelihood, his passion and something he’s poured his heart and soul into. It’s also a place that brings people together, where locals stop for their morning coffee, have a chat and feel part of the community.
Now, through absolutely no fault of his own, Jamie is facing the enormous challenge of starting again from scratch.
While the shop is gone, the bills don’t stop. There’s still a mortgage to pay, everyday living expenses to cover and the massive financial burden of trying to rebuild a business from nothing.
We’re setting up this GoFundMe to help take some of that pressure off Jamie’s shoulders and give him the breathing room he needs to get back on his feet.
Every dollar raised will go towards helping Jamie cover his living expenses, keep up with his financial commitments and hopefully get the doors open again.
No one deserves to have their livelihood ripped away from them like this, especially someone who’s worked so hard to create something for the local community.
If you’ve ever stopped in for a coffee, shared a conversation with Jamie or simply believe in supporting small local businesses, we’d be incredibly grateful for any contribution.
Even if you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean the world.
Let’s rally around Jamie and help him rebuild. ❤️”
More to come
