Lightning may not strike twice, but fire has no such qualms.
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David Little is counting his blessings for his and his family’s safety, but is once again trying to come to terms with the loss of his business.
Little Bottler Tathra Cellars, along with two neighbouring small businesses, was destroyed in a fire only seven weeks ago.
Mr Little was in the process of getting his liquor licence transferred to temporary new premises in Cliff Place, but the cafe is among the many buildings lost in Sunday’s devastating bushfire.
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“It’s absolutely gut-wrenching,” Mr Little said on Monday.
“Ultimately it’s a tragedy much more than just us though.
“We all know everybody – my best mate’s parents have lost their house – but the one thing is, this community, we know how to rally.”
Mr Little was philosophical about the loss of his business plans again.
“You can stand there shaking your fist at the sky, or you can move forward,” he said.
“[Cliff Place owners] Brian and Pauline Fell have been fantastic.
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“The ball was rolling and I had the licence in transfer underway. The point of sale people visited on Friday looking at what was needed.
“It was all just there – I couldn’t believe it.”
One incredible factor of Sunday’s devastating events is the, so far, lack of any reported personal injury or death.
“That’s number one,” Mr Little said. “Property can recover.
“Seeing all the emergency services racing into town literally brought tears to my eyes. They did a miraculous amazing job – and still are – and your heart goes out to them.”
(Despite the information being spread by some metro media outlets, the Tathra Cellars fire was in late January and not part of the current bushfire disaster.)