Clubs Pull Together as Wilcannia Begins Running Out of Drinking Water

The storm — which the Bureau of Meteorology has described as a “possible tornado” — knocked down several vital transmission towers, which could leave tens of thousands of locals without reliable power for up to a month.

While a large backup generator has been brought in to restore power in the region, the NSW Government says it’s “not adequate” to meet full demand, with regular planned outages required to maintain its performance.

Registered clubs in the region are working to ensure that no one falls through the gaps during the prolonged period of disruption, including the Broken Hill Musicians Club which has brought its own generator online.

“The Club is running, with fuel arriving this morning for the generator, that will see us through another 48 hours,” says Broken Hill Musicians Club General Manager Michael Boland.

“The Club fridges will also be used to keep medical supplies at a safe temperature.”

With rolling power outages, locals are using the Musicians Club as an emergency relief centre, which is offering refuge to those who need it, power to recharge mobile phones, cold drinks and hot meals.

The Club has also been helping their neighbouring counterparts in Wilcannia, with Michael Boland working to arrange diesel fuel to be transported to the Wilcannia Golf Club to power their generator, along with a supply of water.

“Wilcannia is running out of fresh water, I am working with local suppliers to organise a pallet of water alongside the fuel,” says Michael.

Despite Broken Hill Musicians Club’s Silver City Cinema understandably closing for the next month due to the unfolding power crisis, the Club has worked to ensure staff don’t feel unnecessarily anxious.

“This is not the news I wanted to deliver, but I can confirm that all staff will continue to receive their normal wages throughout the entire time the cinema is closed,” Michael Boland wrote in an e-mail to affected staff.

“I will personally be in contact with each affected staff member over the next few days to check in and catch up… if any of the team requires assistance with anything at all, please reach out.

“If you find yourself struggling at home with no power or you just want a cold drink and a hot meal, the Club will continue to operate via our emergency generator and is set up as a refuge centre, so everyone is more than welcome at the Club whether you are a member or not.”

The Regional Management Committee has called for the Far West to be placed under a natural disaster declaration, which would open up financial support for households and businesses, with the local member, Barwon MP Roy Butler, providing assistance at the state level.