Staff have been relocated to other WCS office sites in the wake of the fire on 2 October. Photos: Supplied.
It’s still “business as usual” at Woden Community Service (WCS) after a fire caused significant damage to its Corinna Street office in Phillip.
Police and ACT Fire and Rescue were called to a fire at the WCS building on Monday, 2 October, at around 4 pm.
After examining the scene, police deemed the fire suspicious and are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are now looking to speak to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity around Corinna Street at the time of the fire or anyone with information about the incident.
The fire is thought to have originated from the outside of the building.
WCS is a non-profit organisation that provides a range of services across the ACT, including mental health care, early learning and aged care, homelessness support and assistance for people with disabilities.
Along with the Corinna Street office, which also houses the Lollipop Early Learning Centre, WCS operates several other offices in Woden.
WCS acting deputy CEO and company secretary Blessy Pascual-Gutierrez said there has been “substantial damage to the office space”, but the service has continued to operate as usual since 3 October.
She said the ceiling of the building had fallen and there had been damage to the windows.
“At this stage, there will be some impact,” she said.
“There’s a bit of work that needs to happen.
“We relocated office staff to other WCS locations so we can continue our service.”
Ms Pascual-Gutierrez said they are now waiting for ACT Property Group, which owns the building, to determine the repair work and remedial action needed, but WCS is “otherwise managing okay”.
“We have yet to negotiate with ACTPG on repurposing 26 Corinna Street for other WCS-related activities, such as playgroups and other community development activities,” she said.
“We are currently working on relocating staff to other WCS locations and working with ACTPG and insurance to ensure the damaged area is secured and remedial work is completed as soon as possible.”
Ms Pascual-Gutierrez said the closure of Lollipop had already “accelerated our relocation of office staff” from the Corinna Street site to other WCS offices.
In July, WCS announced that Lollipop would be closing at the end of 2023, just weeks after a new high-rise tower displaced the centre’s parking. Lollipop will be merged with Lyons Early Childhood School by January next year.
Earlier that month, the car park on the western side of Woden town centre was closed off due to demolition work making way for a new high-rise apartment tower. WCS approached the ACT Government to ask if it could find another site for the childcare centre prior to construction commencing, but it was unsuccessful.
“With a large new development commencing right next door, access for parents and children will only become more difficult,” CEO Jenny Kitchin said at the time.
“Despite operating the service at a financial loss for many years, we have stayed open due to our commitment to the children, families and staff. However, sadly, we are no longer able to do this.”
The cause of the fire has yet to be identified, but Ms Pascual-Gutierrez said it is likely to have originated from the exterior of the building.
“We just don’t know,” Ms Pascual-Gutierrez said, “it could just be someone walking by and flicking a cigarette butt.
“As far as we are aware, the fire originated from the outside part of the building,” she said.
Anyone with information regarding the fire that can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Quote 7553754. Information can be provided anonymously.
ACTPG was contacted for comment.
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