An 81-year-old Greek Australian man has been left without a home after a devastating apartment fire in Sydney’s Randwick claimed the life of his wife of 34 years, their beloved dog, and destroyed everything they owned.
Minos Valacas was away from the unit when the fire broke out on July 7, killing his wife, Vicky Valacas, at the scene. Their dog, Bobby, also perished in the blaze. A man in his 30s was treated for smoke inhalation.
Police continue to investigate the cause of the fire, with the matter now before the Coroner.
Since the tragedy, Mr Valacas has been relying on family and friends for temporary accommodation as he struggles to secure a permanent place to live while mourning the loss of his wife.
“He is 81 years old. He shouldn’t be sleeping on a couch,” his daughter, Sandy Sinesiou, said.
“We’re finding it hard to find him accommodation. Nobody is jumping at the opportunity to sign that lease.”
To help her father rebuild his life, Sinesiou launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $5,000. She said the response from the Randwick community has been overwhelming.
“The neighbours have been amazing. They are all devastated,” she said.
The Valacas family has long been a familiar and much-loved part of the local community. Mr Valacas spent many years working at a fruit shop in nearby Maroubra, where he became known for his generosity and willingness to help customers.
“He would always carry their groceries to the car,” Sinesiou recalled.
“My dad would give you the shirt off his back.”
The family’s beloved dog, Bobby, was at the centre of the couple’s lives.
“He was the light of their life,” Sinesiou said.
“There were toys and beds everywhere. Every morning Vicky would give Bobby a baby carrot and a little snow pea.”
She described her parents as “the grandparents of the unit block,” saying they were deeply loved by neighbours and friends alike.
Vicky Valacas is survived by her husband, Minos, her brother Nicholas, and the couple’s children, Christine, Kathy, Andrew and Sandy.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the family is focused on supporting Mr Valacas through the difficult months ahead as he grieves the loss of his wife, his home and the life they built together.
Source Daily Telegraph