Camden Sporties has reopened – propelled by the spirit of the Macarthur community
After experiencing major flooding and devastation, not once but twice in the space of a few weeks, Camden Sports Club re-opened Friday 22nd April propelled by the support of the community and in time to be the go-to destination in Camden for Two-up for ANZAC Day.
It has been a harrowing few weeks for the southwest Sydney venue, when on Tuesday 8TH March following days of heavy rain, the area of Camden was completely overcome with rising water levels that inundated Camden playing fields, tennis courts, bowling club and the Camden Sports Club complex. The result of the heavy rain, floodwaters and following subsidence was catastrophic to the venue known to locals as “Sporties”. Amongst the pools of water left behind, everything was either washed in a thick layer of mud, badly damaged or lost completely – with almost all contents of Camden Sports Club destroyed.
The Camden community came out in force, with an outpouring of help to assist with the clean-up and re-opening including RFS, Camden Council, a team of dedicated local volunteers as well as a network of other Clubs including Wests Group Macarthur, Campbelltown Catholic Club and Pittwater RSL. The plan was to get the venue re-open for Easter, however once again on 7th April the heavens opened and Camden was again under water – This time peaking higher than the March levels, recording 12.21 metres at Camden Weir.
Thankfully, Camden Sports Club was more prepared the second time around, enlisting an army of people including several of the Wests Group Macarthur team to help move items to the second level and sandbagging all doors. Despite best efforts, there was still some internal damage although they quickly recovered to get on with the laying of new carpet, the installation of a new TAB and bistro area and fresh paint across the venue. The result is an inviting space, filled with love and community spirit, ready and waiting to welcome back members and guests.
Wests Group Macarthur is honoured to have played such a significant and vital role in preparing Camden Sports Club for re-opening, supplying much needed items including furniture, gaming machines, plants, cutlery stations, ice machines, security system update, collateral as well as resourcing and manpower towards training, transport, IT, marketing support and more.
Pictured: Wests Group Macarthur team members help to move furniture to the upper level as the second round of floodwaters threatened.
Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton comments, “Wests was compelled to play a role in getting Camden Sporties back on its feet for their members and the Camden community. We know that local clubs are so much more than just a local venue, they are often a lifeblood for local communities, and we are thrilled to see the doors open again this week welcoming patrons”.
Brooke Grech, Director of Camden Sporties expresses gratitude to Wests Group as well as the extended community sharing, “Without the generosity, support and love shown by West Group Macarthur, other clubs and our local community members that stepped in to help a fallen neighbour, we simply wouldn’t have been able to get to where we are today.
Grech continues, “The Friendship, support and camaraderie has been completely overwhelming. The community dug deep, and the result will be a future that is a credit to everyone that lent a hand. A huge thank you to everyone who played a role with the survival of Camden Sports Club.”
The tables are set… The beer is cold… the TAB will be open… Head on down!
For more on what’s on at Camden Sports Club visit https://www.camdensportsclub.com.au/
