Clubs Shelter Residents as Bushfires Destroy Homes

ADVERTISING

Registered clubs opened their doors to residents fleeing their homes across the weekend as bushfires swept through multiple regions.

Five venues — Gosford RSL, Hawks Nest Golf Club, Karuah RSL, Merriwa RSL and Denman RSL— operated as official evacuation centres as grass and bushfires intensified across the Central Coast, Port Stephens and Upper Hunter.

The major focus on the Central Coast was the Koolewong bushfire, which burned through more than 129 hectares and sadly destroyed 16 homes.

The NSW RFS activated Gosford RSL as an official evacuation centre, with the Club helping to shelter residents for more than 24 hours, providing a safe, air-conditioned space while emergency services worked to contain the blaze.

“Gosford RSL [has] taken in people through the night and [was] kept open for the last 24 hours… we’re very grateful for the evacuation centre and the hard work of staff,” NSW Premier Chris Minns told ABC Weekend Breakfast.

“We’ve set up five evacuation centres and are keeping them operational as active fires continue. When there is an emergency like this…the evacuation centres make life a little bit easier.”

As well as thanking NSW RFS volunteers, Fire and Rescue NSW and the SES, NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast, The Hon. David Harris MP, paid tribute to Gosford RSL for helping locals during a time of great need.

“I also want to extend my gratitude to Gosford RSL Club and their staff for quickly setting up as an evacuation centre and providing support to community members in need,” he said.

The nearby Ettalong Diggers also helped several families impacted by the fires by providing temporary accommodation.

Hawks Nest Golf Club assisted locals affected by the Bulahdelah fire — where sadly four homes were lost in the region — while Karuah RSL supported travellers and residents impacted by smoke and road closures along the highway corridor.

In the Upper Hunter, Merriwa RSL and Denman RSL were activated as the Milsons Gully fire shifted with changing winds, with the clubs providing safe, stable facilities for community members preparing for possible evacuation.

It comes just months after many registered clubs on the NSW Mid-North Coast acted as evacuation centres during major flooding.