Pubs step up in times of crisis

Many hotels in bushfire affected regions are offering assistance to those affected by the crisis, AHA NSW CEO Paul Nicolaou said today.

Whether a five star accommodation resort or a country style pub, hotels across NSW and particularly around Maitland and the Mountains have offered available rooms to those needing a roof over their heads and a meal.

In the Macarthur region hotels at Tahmoor, Bargo and Picton are the gathering point for communities, offering to assist where possible.

In the Blue Mountains, the Imperial Hotel Mount Victoria is being used as a command post by emergency services, while at Winmalee, the Winmalee Tavern stayed open to assist with people who were trapped in the area.

At Lake Macquarie, some hotels are already at capacity after accommodating people affected by the fires near Catherine Hill Bay.

AHA NSW CEO Paul Nicolaou said the organisation was doing all it can to help.

“Hotels are the heart of their communities – especially in regional NSW – and that is being shown here yet again,” he said.

“Hoteliers give their time and resources out of their own pockets, so their generosity in times of community need doesn’t surprise.”

“For example, in places like Bargo in the Southern Highlands we had about 150 residents being sheltered at their local pub last night.

“In Lithgow, hotels are offering to assist where possible.”

“Hoteliers will do all we can to help people through this crisis.”'

Source: Australian Hotels Association NSW, 18 October 2013