Sonia Smith left the home she shares with her husband for just 30 minutes before its insides became engulfed in flames. An electrical fire, caused by an air conditioner, tore through their Deb Street home – gutting the kitchen, living room and dining area. 

Other rooms, such as the bedroom, were left heavily smoke and water logged, damaging the clothes and personal items of both Sonia and her husband.

The fire’s devastation has since plunged the couple into huge debt, as the house had not been insured. 

Sonia said: “We’ve had home loans before and assumed insurance was included. It wasn’t until after the fire we realised it wasn’t.” 

The couple had recently invested around $10,000 in renovating the kitchen with new cupboards and appliances, including an oven. 

They did much of the work themselves, including painting, sanding and plastering. 

“It’s gut-wrenching – you’ve put all these hours in for all of it to come down in smoke,” Sonia said. 

“It just shattered me. Everything we worked for was gone.” 

Due to the extensive damage inside the house, the couple spent parts of summer living in a tent in the backyard. Sonia said this became particularly challenging during the 40 degree days Taree experienced throughout January and February. 

“It was very belittling,” Sonia said.

“It was like rough camping. If we went into the house we’d be covered in black soot and when we stayed outside we got sunburnt.”

To raise money to help Sonia a fundraiser is being held this Saturday, April 1 at Taree Racecourse, in conjunction with Taree-Wingham Race Club’s meeting.

The event includes a race day entry, afternoon tea, an auction and raffles for $20. 

The event starts at 2pm but race punters are welcome anytime after 11am.

There will be a best-dressed competition and best dressed for those in red and white, which is the optional theme of the event. Book tickets as soon as possible with Sonia on 0439 866 634.