Two years ago, a devastating fire tore through the clubhouse of Eastern Golf Club in Yering, north-east of Melbourne.
The fire was caused by an electrical fault, spreading rapidly due to wind conditions.
It took eighty personnel two hours to evacuate more than twenty people and then subdue the flames, with damages estimated to be in the millions.
Now, the club has re-opened with a fresh, state-of-the-art new clubhouse, beginning a new chapter for the Eastern Golf Club.
Members were welcomed back in a heartfelt celebration, with the event a strong reminder of the club’s vibrant and enduring spirit.
“After two years of patience, planning and perseverance, our doors are finally open once again,” said the club on LinkedIn.
“What made the occasion so special wasn’t just our beautiful new clubhouse, but the people who filled it – our Eastern family,” the post continued.
Simon Andrew CCM, the club’s Operations Manager, agreed that the celebration was a special reminder that it was the people who made the club feel like home.
“Reflecting on my time so far at Eastern, there is much that has been achieved and I am grateful for the passionate and resilient staff who have showed up every day with a smile, despite working in less than ideal circumstances,” he said.
“This has been a challenging project but also extremely rewarding and something I will look back in years to come with pride. I’m looking forward to seeing the joy our Clubhouse provides members & guests for many years to come.”
The story is a timely reminder that all businesses need to be prepared ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services’ (AFAC) urges businesses and communities to prepare for the summer season now.
“Communities are encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert this spring even if in areas of Australia showing normal risk of fire. Catastrophic fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons,” said Rob Webb, CEO of AFAC.
“Wherever you live, work or travel, now is the time to plan and prepare. Understand your risk, know where you will get your information, and talk … about what you will do.”
Templates for bushfire survival planning can be found on each state’s business site or local fire authority site.
