A shocking blaze in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges will not stop ANZAC Day activities going ahead for the local community.
In the early hours of 17 April, a fire incinerated the Gisborne Golf Club clubhouse, a hub of community activity.
Both the Country Fire Association (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to the incident, sending around 20 vehicles and over sixty firefighters to the scene on Daly Street.
Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and Powercor were also in attendance.
Unfortunately, by the time firefighters arrived the building had been completely destroyed.
“Our crews worked to contain the fire to the building, and given it went through the roof it collapsed on itself and has sadly been completely destroyed,” reported Paul Turner, CFA District 2 Commander.
It took the crews two hours to contain the blaze.
Investigations by police and the CFA are ongoing, with the cause yet to be determined.
“The club is a community hub for the residents of Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges, and we know they will be hurting,” said Turner.
Brett Campbell, General Manager of Gisborne Golf club, was shocked at the news.
“The club has 900 members and also hosts multiple community events such as presentation nights, graduations and fundraising events.
“The club (is) over 100 years old so you can imagine how much history there is in the club and what we’ve lost.”
The clubhouse, which was also used by the Gisborne RSL sub-branch, had contained some irreplaceable RSL memorabilia as well as a library of Australian military history.
“The RSL sub-branch and the Gisborne Golf Club, they’re both the heart and soul of this community and so this is a terrible loss for the community,” lamented Darren Grevis-James, President of the sub-branch.
“Critically, we’ve lost a place where we can hold our meetings.”
ANZAC Day observations will now be held at Gisborne cenotaph.
A Facebook post made yesterday on behalf of the Gisborne Golf Club Committee expressed its gratitude for all the support received, stating:
“Your generosity and solidarity during this challenging time have been nothing short of inspiring.
“Please know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your dedication to our community. Together, we will overcome this adversity and emerge stronger than ever before.”
The course and driving range have re-opened and temporary buildings have been organised.
The Australian Sports Foundation has created a tax-deductible appeal for the not for profit club.
