A community club that became an evacuation centre during bushfires and flooding has unveiled a new power generator funded by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Funding Package.
The Wingham Memorial Services Club received $546,457 to assist with the purchase and installation of the generator and other vital upgrades to the club, through BLERF which is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments.
Federal Nationals Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie, said the generator would serve the club and the community when the network is not available.
“This, along with other upgrades to support its Emergency Evacuation capabilities, provides the added support for the entire community during time of crises. During the Black Summer bushfires, the Club became a refuge for more than 200 people who needed help,” Dr Gillespie said.
“It played a vital role in coordinating transport, connecting people and providing displaced residents with showers and food. From fires to floods, and faced with disaster after disaster, this not-for-profit organisation has been a safe and reliable space for our community.”
State Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said this funding is essential in helping people in Wingham to prepare for future fires and floods.
“This funding has been essential in helping to provide a more suitable environment for the community to shelter in times of crisis, including essential upgrades to bathrooms” Mr Bromhead said.
“It’s fantastic to see how such a vital piece of equipment can help provide essential power, comfort and safety during a time of need. The fires and floods may be in the past now, but we need to future-proof our communities, ensuring their local evacuation centres are up to the task.”
In the wake of recent flood events, the former Federal Coalition Government delivered over $6 billion in support, including over $2 billion for households and $588 million for community clean-up and recovery efforts.
The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Package is part of the $4.5 billion bushfire support program co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments for bushfire recovery, response and preparedness in NSW and I’m thankful for the work of organisations that step up in times of need.
