Fire destroys the Club

On Thursday 5th March at approximately 5:00 a.m., we received notification from our security company advising of multiple alarms being activated at the club.

Fearing a break-in, representatives immediately attended the premises, only to discover that the building was engulfed in fire.

Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the day to bring the fire under control. At approximately 6:00 p.m., an emergency demolition order was issued by Brimbank City Council, resulting in the demolition of the right-hand section of the club for safety reasons.

As a result of the fire, we lost our Gaming Room, toilets, bowling room, and our state-of-the-art kitchen, which had only recently been completed. It was an incredibly devastating day for our Committee, Management, Staff, Members, and the wider community.

Following a thorough investigation, fire experts determined that the cause of the fire was accidental spontaneous combustion involving tea towels left in a dryer after the cycle had finished. The incident has been deemed a tragic accident.

The front section of the club also sustained extensive smoke and water damage. We are continuing to work closely with our insurance companies and contractors to reopen this area as soon as possible. Due to the extent of the damage, significant restoration works are required, including the likely removal of the roof to replace damaged linings and infrastructure. With substantial services and equipment located on the roof, this is a complex process that will take time.

At this stage, we are planning to reopen Stage 1 of the club, including Gaming and a lounge area, before the end of the year. The rebuilding of the remaining sections of the club will take considerably longer.

The reason for prioritising the reopening of our Gaming area is that it provides the club with its primary source of revenue, allowing us to continue supporting our members, veterans, staff, and the broader community while rebuilding progresses.

We sincerely thank our members, volunteers, community, emergency services, insurers, and contractors for their ongoing support, patience, and understanding during this very difficult time.