In the early hours of 20 August, the cherished Morwell Bowling Club was tragically engulfed by a fierce blaze.
The fire, which broke out on Hazelwood Road around 12:30am, saw more than 60 firefighters rush to the scene. By the time they arrived, the flames had already consumed the roof, leading to its dramatic collapse.
Morwell Fire Rescue Victoria Captain Shane Mynard reported that, despite the valiant efforts of the crews, only 10 per cent of the main building could be salvaged. The situation became critical when the roof’s collapse forced firefighters to retreat from direct firefighting.
“It’s completely gone. You’re talking 80 metres by 50 metres of building all gone,” Mynard stated.
While the new multi-million-dollar extension managed to escape the worst of the damage, Mynard indicated the remaining structure would likely face demolition.
Water supply issues compounded the challenge, with crews drawing large volumes from the mains and deploying 20 tankers to tackle the blaze. “You’ve just got to adjust your firefighting techniques,” Mynard added.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations by fire and police officials still pending. Mynard assured that while there’s no current suspicion of foul play, the investigation will clarify the cause.
The Morwell Bowling Club, recently rejuvenated with a significant renovation, had become one of the town’s most bustling dining spots.
Club chair Jeffery Sawyer expressed deep sorrow over the loss, especially for manager Teena Johnson, who had poured immense effort into revitalizing the club.
“She has put a lot of soul and effort into building the club up to what it is now, and she’s done a fantastic job in the last two years … with the new renovation,” Sawyer told the ABC. “It’s devastating for her and devastating for our members and the community.”
The club’s storied history spans 110 years, and the fire claimed irreplaceable memorabilia. Nevertheless, Sawyer remains hopeful that some items may still be preserved by members. The community has rallied around the club, offering extensive support in the wake of the disaster.
As the board plans the next steps, Sawyer remains optimistic about the future.
“Hopefully, we can still function to some degree in probably a few weeks or a few months’ time, depending on what the insurance do.”
