In the quiet of the night, tragedy struck the heart of Gisborne, Victoria, as flames devoured the Gisborne Golf Club on Daly Street. The blaze, which erupted around 2:25 am, swiftly consumed the clubhouse, leaving behind charred ruins and a community reeling in shock.
Responding to the emergency, approximately 17 units from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) rushed to the scene, battling ferocious flames that threatened to engulf not only the clubhouse but also the adjacent Gisborne RSL Sub Branch. Despite their valiant efforts, it took nearly two hours for firefighters to bring the inferno under control, by which time the clubhouse lay in ruins, a solemn testament to the destructive power of fire.
For the Gisborne RSL Sub Branch, housed within the now-destroyed clubhouse, the devastation cuts deeper, coming just a week before ANZAC Day, a time of solemn remembrance and reflection for Australia’s veterans. In the wake of the fire, the Sub Branch lamented the loss of everything they held dear, their cherished home reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye.
“The Gisborne Golf Club was the home of the Gisborne RSL Sub Branch,” expressed the Sub Branch in a statement tinged with sorrow. “As an RSL, we have lost everything we had there right before ANZAC Day.” Their sentiments echo the sentiments of a community left mourning the loss of a beloved landmark.
Amidst the devastation, however, there shines a beacon of gratitude towards the firefighters who battled tirelessly against the blaze. The Gisborne RSL Sub Branch extended heartfelt thanks to the brave men and women who risked their lives to contain the fire, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity.
While initial suspicions lingered regarding the cause of the fire, authorities have since ruled out foul play, putting to rest any doubts of deliberate intent. Yet, questions remain unanswered as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Gisborne, nestled approximately 54 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, now bears the scars of a night marred by flames and destruction. As the community rallies together to support those affected and rebuild what was lost, the spirit of resilience shines through, a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
In the wake of tragedy, Gisborne stands united, drawing strength from each other as they strive to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Though the road to recovery may be long and arduous, one thing remains certain – the bonds of community will endure, guiding them through the darkest of days towards a brighter tomorrow.
