During our days of greatest need, our local clubs were at the forefront of housing, feeding and caring for firies, residents and volunteers, but one moment will always stand out for Ulladulla Ex-Servos Club CEO Darryl Bozicevic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"We had a restaurant full of people eating at lunchtime. I got a phone call from SES saying they had 30 to 40 fire personnel that would like some lunch and could we feed them," he said.
"We made adjustments and moved people around in preparation for their arrival. In short, when they arrived tables, drinks and menus were set with a process ready to go.
"The people in the club stood and applauded all the firies. Everyone stopped ordering food until they had been served. It was amazing and beautiful to watch."
The Ex-Servos also ran a community evacuation centre set up at the Ulladulla Civic Centre where staff worked tirelessly to ensure people had somewhere to eat, sleep and, importantly, feel safe.
This continued on and off for a massive eight weeks or so from December 1 right through to until Easter when it was transformed into a recovery centre.
"The club staff that worked did such a great job facilitating the evacuation centre by helping government bodies as required," Mr Bozicevic said.
"Catering staff from Ex-Servos co-ordinated food and drinks through the club, and a lot of local organisations and businesses all contributed. It was a wonderful community effort all round."
The club also opened its function centre - known to many as the Old Club, for breakfast, dinner, water, drinks and packed snacks for emergency services personnel.
While the Salvation Army was tasked with providing food for evacuation centres, it became clear early on that more help would be needed.
Ex-Servos staff co-ordinated and organised the kitchen roster, volunteers, donations, supplied, meals, timing and service alongside the Salvos and other community volunteers and groups.
"A lot of local cafes, restaurants and local businesses helped with providing meals for the civic centre," Mr Bozicevic said.
"The response from the community during this time was amazing.
"The club staff that work at the civic centre were overwhelmed with offers of help - from making food, bringing in bedding, billeting people, and shipping animals out to private homes and farms," he said.
"A lot of club staff did an amazing job and made a huge effort during this period. I cannot thank them enough; our staff are amazing."
Almost 12 months on, Mr Bozicevic reflected on those dark days that in fact, brought out the best in people.
"Your first priority is to look after those that need the most assistance and help," he said.
"I feel like the good human nature in people just kicks in, and everyone just wants to help."
On behalf of the club, Mr Bozicevic wanted to thank all the community organisations, volunteers, local businesses, Ex-Servos staff at the club and civic centre for their help during the fires.
"A personal thank you from me to local SES and particularly Tracy Provest for their assistance, co-ordination, and guidance during the fires. So glad that the club could assist," he said.
"The biggest thank you must go out to the emergency services that were on the front line protecting us, our families, our home and our community.
"Let's hope we have a better festive season this year."