An outback Queensland community is rallying to store enough produce and supplies after the only grocery store in town burnt down.
Police were called to the Foodworks on Dowling Street in Thargomindah about 3:30am.
Donna Humphris has owned the store for the past 27 years. She said she was letting her dog out in the early hours when she heard popping sounds, and could see a glow on the other side of town.
"I knew. I knew it was the shop," Ms Humphris said.
"“It wasn’t until we drove around and saw it, [that we realised] it was huge. It was really emotional."
Community rallies
The Foodworks is the only grocery store in the small town, which has a population of about 250 people.
Supplies have been difficult to come by in recent months, with flooding in the Paroo and Bulloo rivers cutting the town off for weeks at a time.
The local mail operator, which also delivers supplies and medications to the town, travelled a 22-hour round trip several times to bring essentials — a far cry from the usual trip of four hours return.
Bulloo Shire Council Mayor John "Tractor" Ferguson said the community was working together to ensure supplies are still available.
"Donna's been talking to [the owners of the Thargomindah Roadhouse] so they're going to take over for them for a while and give them a hand," he said.
"To keep the show rolling."
Ms Humphris said the response from the community has reminded her why she loves to live in Thargomindah.
"It's a really resilient community," she said.
"We've had so many offers [for help]."
Rather than making the long journey to nearby towns such as Cunnamulla, Ms Humphris said she was grateful other local businesses were still intending to take arriving stock to sell in town.
"I've found when people start shopping out of town, it becomes a habit. And habits are hard to break."
Investigations ongoing
Cr Ferguson said the local police, SES and fire service had been excellent in their response to the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown, with investigators due to arrive Friday.
Cr Ferguson said the fire would not bring the community down.
"As they say, those 'Thargomindians', if we fall down don't kick us, we'll get up fighting, mate."
Ms Humphris said she and her husband Phil, who was in Toowoomba at the time of the fire, have insurance for the building.
"As long as our insurance pays, we will definitely rebuild," she said.
"I want to say a massive thank you to everyone in Thargo for the support we have received. The SES and the Fire Brigade were amazing; thank you to everyone."
