Homeless couple lose everything in fire

Kathleen van Schalkwyk and Kaine Picard look over what remains of their personal items. Photo/John Borren

A fire overnight destroyed everything Kathleen van Schalkwyk and Kaine Picard own except the clothes on their backs.

The couple have been living in a tent under the Marsh St overbridge for a year with all their household goods and possessions, a houseload of clothing, blankets, pots and pans, sentimental trinkets and photos.

Last night's fire. Photo/George Novak

Ms van Schalkwyk said she and Mr Picard had been in town when the fire started and returned home to see their belongings ablaze in a large fire.

Mr Picard said neither of them had family in the city, except a grandfather in a rest home who was unable to take them in.