The team at the Wellington Soldiers Club were proud to show-off the upgrade ahead of its official launch by the Minister for Liquor and Gaming in July.

Wellington Soldiers Club CEO, David French, said he is pleased to be able to offer the facility to the community.

“It’s great to be able to have this facility in Wellington,” he said.

“Emergency evacuation centres are available in most reasonable-sized regional towns so the club is pleased to be able to bring this to Wellington.”

The works – conducted by local contractors – included the purchase and installation of a back-up generator, an upgrade to the switch board and associated electrical, concrete and fencing work.

David said it was an added bonus to have works conducted by local businesses.

“We were able to use local electrician Steve Jones who got it done on time in conjunction with other contractors – 60 per cent of funds were spent locally,” he said.

The generator was supplied and installed by JDC Thompson Electrical System of Dubbo and all construction work was completed by David Burke Building.

In 2016 the Wellington Soldiers Club kicked off a campaign to install a new generator at the evacuation area. 

In December the club received confirmation that under the Emergency Relief Infrastructure Grants program their application had been successful and they would receive a grant of $250,000 to assist in the installation of a generator for the Community Emergency Evacuation Upgrade Project. 

A further $50,000 was put toward the project by the Wellington Soldiers Club.

The project will provide a 24/7 emergency evacuation facility at Wellington that can fit up to 450 people inside.

David said the assistance of Dubbo MP Troy Grant was appreciated.

“The assistance of the Hon Troy Grant and his Office was very much appreciated by the Wellington Soldiers Club and the community of Wellington,” he said.

“We also take the opportunity to thank the Department of Liquor and Gaming Grants Team for considering and approving our application.”