The West End bar Come to Daddy, a queer-owned venue that serves as a gathering place for Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community, became the target of a hateful act when a group set fire to rainbow bunting strung across its outdoor area. The incident was stopped promptly because nearby residents and passersby raised the alarm and extinguished the blaze before it could spread to neighbouring businesses. The owner, Billerwell Daye, described feeling a mix of anger and shock, and immediately moved to set up a GoFundMe to finance improved safety measures.
What might have become a far worse event turned instead into a striking demonstration of solidarity. Within a day the fundraising campaign, intended to pay for security cameras, enhanced lighting and further visible support for the venue, surged past its initial goal. Neighbours, local leaders and people who simply value safe community spaces began dropping off flags and bunting, posting offers of help online, and sharing the fundraiser widely. The swift local response transformed fear into collective action and a renewed affirmation of presence in the neighbourhood.
How the attack unfolded and the immediate response
According to accounts from the venue and witnesses, a group intentionally ignited the rainbow decorations on the footpath and outdoor dining area. Thanks to prompt intervention by nearby residents, the fire was put out quickly and only minor damage occurred. The fact that the building and adjacent shops were spared prevented physical harm, but the symbolic injury ran deep: the act targeted the venue’s visibility and the safety of those who gather there. That sense of violation helped drive the rapid mobilisation of support, both material and emotional, from the community.
Witnesses, cleanup and local solidarity
Neighbours who saw the incident alerted others and assisted with cleanup before staff arrived, an effort the owner publicly praised. The venue’s social channels called for donations of replacement decorations and pledged to be “even more gayer” by reinforcing its visible identity. Local elected representatives also joined the response: Renee Coffey, the area’s MP, personally delivered pride flags and bunting to the bar. These acts of support signalled to both the owners and patrons that the venue is not isolated—people nearby and beyond stepped in to repair the physical and symbolic damage.
Fundraising goals and plans to increase safety
In the days following the attack, the GoFundMe was set up with a clear list of priorities: install security cameras to maintain visual monitoring when the owner is not on site, add stronger external lighting to deter future incidents, and place more visible queer decor to communicate belonging and resilience. The campaign’s early traction exceeded expectations; supporters contributed quickly and the total climbed well beyond the initial target. The owner signalled an intention to close the fundraiser soon but emphasised that any additional funds would be used to further strengthen the venue’s safety and community role.
What this means for the community and what’s next
For many people who contacted the bar and local media, Come to Daddy is more than a place to eat or drink: it is a safe, celebratory space where queer people feel seen, welcomed and protected. The attack therefore resonated broadly, prompting emotional responses and practical offers of help. Rather than retreat, the venue is doubling down on visibility and safety, and the community response has been presented as a powerful rebuttal to hate. As part of healing and celebration, the bar will mark its second birthday with a themed event, promising music, performances and cake—an invitation to show support in person and to celebrate resilience.
Final reflections
When an attempt to silence or intimidate a community backfires, the reaction can define the story that follows. In this case, the immediate intervention by neighbours, the backing of public figures, and the rapid financial and material support turned a frightening episode into a rallying point. The combined effort to install security measures and restock pride flags reflects both practical protection and a refusal to let hatred determine visibility. As the owner expressed in messages of gratitude, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and reaffirming—proof that solidarity can convert an attack into an opportunity for renewed community strength.