Club Central Menai has been a welcome place of respite for firefighters on the frontline during the recent bushfire emergency. The club has been hosting Rural Fire Service and other emergency services personnel for the past couple of days for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Club Central has fed more than 300 firefighters since the fire emergency began on Saturday afternoon. And that is likely to continue until the fire operation is officially deemed over.  Mike Walker, chief executive officer of Club Central Menai, said the club had a proud history of supporting the community during bushfire emergencies. “As a club we are no stranger to lending a hand during fire emergencies,” Mr Walker said. “In 1997, a week after opening the Menai premises, over 1500 residents sought refuge after being evacuated under the threat of fire.  “Five years later in December 2002, around 500 evacuees were housed at the club when bushfires again hit the area. It was estimated that 4500 meals were also served to weary fire fighters in this time. “Since Saturday evening we have served more than 500 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) to emergency services personnel, with more expected for a well-earned dinner on Monday evening and further meals in the coming days as crews continue to work to get the fire under control.” Mr Walker said many club staff had also been impacted by having to evacuate their homes and they were grateful for the efforts of firefighters in protecting lives and property. “It is really heart-warming to see such generosity of spirit from locals supporting the emergency services personnel with donations of food and supplies,” he said. “We also join with the community in expressing our overwhelming gratitude to everyone who has played a role in protecting us from this horrific fire and who continue to work so hard to keep us safe."
