By Evie Drinnan
Six months after a fire broke out at Flipside Circus’ Brisbane Circus Centre at Northshore Hamilton, the centre’s roof is almost rebuilt.
Marketing Coordinator Matt McInally said: “The roof is due to be completed in the second week of August, and we will move back in as soon as we can after that.”
He hopes they will be able to move back in by the end of September.
The fire, believed to have been started by welding works on the side of the building, damaged the roof and most of the circus’ equipment such as rubber crash mats and aerial rigging.
“Most of it was smoke damage. We had to repaint the walls and replace the insulation in the roof. One of our biggest losses was the original mural by world-renowned artist Rosie Woods,” Mr McInally said.
Since the fire, Flipside has operated at multiple temporary venues and borrowed equipment from other circus companies.
“The kindness shown by the community has absolutely blown us away. Aid has come from as far away as Mullumbimby and the Gold Coast.
“People want to help us. Flipside is a giving company, and we’re a not-for-profit.
“We’ve raised over $30,000 in donations in the wake of the fire to help us continue operating, and we’re still accepting donations,” Mr McInally said.
Flipside Circus has a jam-packed second half of the year including classes and performances.
Donate to Flipside Circus here: https://flipside-recovery.raiselysite.com/
Photography: Matt McInally