Industry Unites to Help Beloved Club Re-open

The Taree Aquatic Club — known affectionately by locals as The Sailo’s — suffered significant structural damage and was facing an uncertain future following May’s extreme weather, which saw the Manning River flood at a level never previously seen in Taree.

Recognising the need for the community to get back on its feet as quickly as possible, the NSW club industry launched a state-wide response to the emergency.

Thanks to the generosity of registered clubs right across NSW, close to $385,000 was raised to get The Sailo’s back open and to support the clean-up and recovery efforts of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), who swiftly deployed volunteers to the region.
Taree Sailo’s Secretary Manager Peter Hemingway said he was overwhelmed by the support of fellow clubs.

“When the floods came through, the inside of our Club was completely gutted and initially we held grave fears that our doors would never reopen,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it’s impossible to be insured for flood cover given our location, so to have clubs across New South Wales step in and get us back on our feet is really heartening and on behalf of the community we say thank you.”

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said the outpouring of support was a powerful reflection of the industry’s core purpose to not only help communities in need, but also the clubs that play such a vital role within those communities.

“Clubs are the heart of their communities, and when disaster strikes, they always step up. This was evident during the flood emergency, when 12 of the 15 official evacuation centres were located within clubs,” Ms Riant said.

“The donations from clubs reflect the deep commitment our industry has to not only helping communities rebuild after devastation but to rebound stronger than ever.

“It’s in the toughest of times that our clubs truly shine, and the recent tragic events on the state’s Mid North Coast have inspired an unprecedented demonstration of support right across our industry.”