The much-loved Morwell Bowling Club has been destroyed by fire overnight. The fire, which broke out at 12:30 am on Hazelwood Road, quickly engulfed the roof causing it to collapse. More than 60 firefighters were called to the scene, but despite their best efforts, they could only save 10 percent of the main building.
The Morwell Bowling Club had recently undergone a multi-million-dollar extension and renovation, transforming it into a thriving community hub. The new extension, which included a function room and a large green with plastic shade cloth covers, was mostly saved, but the rest of the building is likely to be demolished. The fire has left a significant impact on the community, with residents expressing sadness and disbelief over the loss of this beloved institution.
Firefighters Faced Challenges
The blaze presented a number of challenges for firefighters, including limited water supply. Firefighters were forced to draw large volumes of water from the mains supply, which resulted in low water pressure. This problem was exacerbated by the age of the town's infrastructure, which Mr Mynard described as “older parts of town.” He explained that “You've just got to adjust your firefighting techniques.”
Cause Under Investigation
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire investigators have been called to the scene, and they will be working with police to determine the cause. While the fire is not believed to be suspicious, the cause remains unknown.
Community Reels from Loss
The loss of the Morwell Bowling Club has left a gaping hole in the community. The club has been a hub for social gatherings, sporting events, and community support, and its destruction has left many feeling a sense of loss. The club's chair, Jeffery Sawyer, expressed his sorrow and concern for the club's manager, Teena Johnson, who had poured her heart and soul into revitalizing the club in the past two years.
Mr Sawyer described the fire as “devastating” for Johnson, the members, and the community as a whole. He added that the club had received a lot of support from the community since the fire, which he attributed to the club's strong ties to the community. Despite the devastation, Mr Sawyer expressed optimism about the future of the club.
He said, “Hopefully, we can still function to some degree in probably a few weeks or a few months time, depending on what the insurance do.” The Morwell Bowling Club has a history stretching back 110 years, and it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community that they are already looking towards a future where the club can be rebuilt.
A Heartfelt Loss
The Morwell Bowling Club was more than just a place to play bowls; it was a symbol of community spirit, a place where people came together to socialize, celebrate, and support each other. The fire has not only destroyed a building but also a significant part of the town's cultural fabric. The community will undoubtedly come together to support the rebuilding efforts, drawing strength from the shared loss and the hope for a future where the club can once again be a beacon of community spirit.
