The Chelmsford Centre on the New England Highway is one of the lowest parts of the Maitland area and was badly affected during last month’s super storm.
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Hog’s Breath Cafe, The Good Guys and the other businesses in the centre sustained extensive damage and many remain closed.
Hog’s Breath owners Darren and Sheree Kearns said they realised the extent of the damage when staff members messaged them pictures of their business under water.
“We were sick to our guts. I wanted to come in, but Sheree said ‘what can you do?’” Mr Kearns said.
“We haven’t slept since this happened. We keep worrying about whether we’re covered by insurance and we’re worried for our 40-odd staff,” Mrs Kearns said.
It will take close to six weeks to totally rebuild the restaurant.
Good Guys East Maitland’s Brad Sangster said it had been a difficult time for the business, but he was determined to rebuild.
Floodwater destroyed virtually all of the electronics and whitegoods in the store.
“It’s provided us with an opportunity to open up something totally new,” Mr Sangster said. “I’m looking forward to it really, but it’ll take lots of hard work to get there.”
He said the store’s phone number had been converted into a care line for customers seeking information on product warranties and for general inquiries.
