CLUB OLD BAR EMERGENCY EVACUTION CENTRE NOW OPEN

Funding of $1.75 million through the former Coalition Government’s ‘Black Summer Bushfire Recovery’ Program and ‘’Preparing Australian Communities ‘’ grant has paid dividends with work now completed at Club Old Bar for the opening of their new emergency evacuation centre on Thursday 13th February.

 Remembering back to 2019 when people, and business were threatened the Old Bar Club stepped up and provided refuge for over displaced 500 people. Shelter, meals and a safe environment was provided until the danger passed and it was safe to return home.

 Construction began back in 2022 and included is a new Emergency Backup Generator providing an uninterrupted power supply to the entire building when the main grid is compromised. A new Security enclosure and cover for the back of house areas. Total of that grant was $165,000 with the total project cost $228,000.

 Further funding was also forthcoming from ‘Preparing Australian Communities Grant through the National Emergency Management Agency total $689,893 through the and a contribution from the club of $801,000 – total project cost $1.49 million.

 Upgraded facilities included a New Roof for the main club, a new air-conditioning system, new Children’s playground for small children, new Bowls lockers for Senior members of the community, new Bathroom and toilet for patrons with mobility issues.

4 New showers are located at the eastern section of the club to accommodate those displaced by an emergency event, and a New Multipurpose Community Operations Unit which will act as an operations base for personnel during an emergency.

 Dr David Gillespie has sent his congratulations to the Club and praised their efforts during those difficult times. This major upgraded facility will strengthen ties with the community of Old Bar and will go a long way to help protect and combat natural disasters.