Blaze-hit couple back in action

By Kath Gannaway
LESS than a week after fire destroyed their Lilydale martial arts centre, Healesville couple Steve and Margaret Sonsie, were back on the mats.
“We won’t be beaten,” Mr Sonsie told the Mail last week as he and wife, Margaret, welcomed a group of junior students back to classes at the St Patrick’s Community Centre in Lilydale.
The Sonsie family has operated FreeForm Martial Arts at Lilydale for 15 years and Mr Sonsie said they were devastated by the fire, which started in the early hours of Monday, 21 August, and gutted the second storey of the building.
All their martial arts and office equipment as well as important personal certificates and business and student records were destroyed.
Mr Sonsie said the centre had been vandalised and robbed before it was torched.
“It’s a senseless, mindless act and whoever is responsible should be made to speak to everyone here.
“The mess they created was cleaned up by magnificent people – students, family and friends, who have continued to be amazingly supportive,” he said.
Nicole Kirby, one of the four Sonsie children who are, or have been involved in the business over the years, said the fire had been a terrible blow to her parents.
“Over the 30 years in Healesville and 20 in Lilydale, they have often taken kids whose families could not afford to pay. He (Mr Sonsie) sees the need and this sort of thing is a bit of a slap in the face when you have been part of a community for so many years,” she said.
Ms Kirby said the response from people had been amazing.
“We have had people whose children attended years ago offering support and it’s obvious it was more than a business to a lot of people.”
The contents of the building were not insured and one of the big challenges ahead for the family is to replace the equipment – much of it purpose-built by Mr Sonsie.
Inspired by the support they have received from the Healesville and Freeform communities, and friends, the Sonsie family has organised a variety night fundraiser.
“People have been tremendous in offering their talent, prizes and time to make this a great family night,” Ms Kirby said.
‘The Afterburn Fundraiser Variety Night’ will be held at the Healesville Memorial Hall at 6.30pm on Saturday, 16 September.
Tickets will be available at the door, or can be booked on 0418 310 433 or 0407 326 447.
Lilydale Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the fire. Anyone with information can call Lilydale Police on 9735 1066.