Hunter Clubs Step Up to Help Community During Bushfires

Cessnock Leagues became a command centre for the RFS and even went the extra mile to put the team up in a hotel for the night. 

Weston Workers Club Secretary Manager Anthony Burke said once the fires began he could see them getting worse. 

“We were tossing up as to whether or not we should be an official evacuation centre as the fires were getting pretty close to us. However, by 6pm Thursday night we lost power and the decision was made,” Anthony said. 

“We subsequently moved all the families in our venue seeking refuge down to Kurri Kurri Bowling Club.”

Anthony said several houses had been lost and the Club was going to look to host a fundraiser in the new year to assist those affected.

Kurri Kurri Bowling Club CEO Peter Fairbairn said the venue took in 17 families who had evacuated from their homes, all just days before his 50-kilometre charity run. 

Peter said the fires didn’t head to that side of the area, so Kurri Kurri itself was safe despite only being a 10-minute drive from Weston. 

Abermain Bowling & Recreation Club Secretary Manager Maleah McInnes said they had to evacuate and shut down the Club.

“It was all very eventful, our staff had to actually go home and protect their own homes from the fires,” Maleah said. 

“Now we are focusing on raising funds for those who have had their homes damaged or lost entirely.”

More information about fundraisers will be made available in due course.