Wests GM cracks a smile after ram raid left him ‘in pieces’
Kingsley Theiber has thanked the Pioneer Valley and Mackay community for its incredible support.
Mackay
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Days after being reduced to tears while walking through the wreckage of the leagues club he has poured his heart and soul into for a decade, Kingsley Theiber is back smiling and laughing with patrons at Wests Leagues Club.
Mr Theiber was left shattered on Wednesday after receiving a call from police to tell him the club had been the victim of a brazen ram raid-style robbery attempt.
Early estimates range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage to the club, which was forced to close its doors to the public on Wednesday to deal with the devastation.
But by Saturday the Pioneer Valley’s favourite watering hole was back open for business and the community responded by returning in droves to offer patronage and support.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable and so humbling,” Mr Theiber said.
“A lot of people not only from our local community here in the Pioneer Valley but also in town and all around the state – and even nationwide – have been ringing in and offering to help us out. It’s outstanding.”
Even as he worked to control his emotions while recalling the devastating scene on Wednesday morning, Mr Theiber was able crack a smile and enjoy a laugh at the sight of patrons enjoying themselves once again.
“I think a lot of people understand the importance of clubs and the role they play in communities,” he said.
“The incident that’s happened to us has brought out the best in people.
“Our club is a lot smaller … and we’re located in the middle of cane fields, so (for) our members and visitors it’s a destination for them to drive here and travel some distance. So it’s extremely unbelievable the amount of support we’ve had.”
Mr Theiber said he had received calls from “managers from all the other clubs across Mackay” offering support and well-wishes.
“I’ve been here for 10 years and I’ve seen the club grow from a very small organisation with about 800 members to having over 9000 members,” he said.
“I’ve seen the blood, sweat and tears that’s been put in by volunteers, staff and everyone else involved in the club.
“It was very emotional the other day – it did break me into pieces.
“I cannot be more proud of our local community, our staff, and everyone involved in our club far and wide.”
Mr Theiber said insurance assessors were set to inspect the damage early next week.
“All going to plan they should be here by Tuesday or Wednesday, though that’s relevant to what’s happening in Brisbane with COVID at the moment,” he said.
“Hopefully that won’t affect them travelling up.
“So next week they’ll be assessed and we’ll go from there. We’d obviously like to be back to as normal as possible as soon as possible.”
Wests Tigers A-Grade rugby league coach Craig Menkins joined senior players, staff and friends in making an afternoon of it at the club.
He said it was unsurprising to see the level of support shown by the Pioneer Valley community.
“We’ve had a rough trot over the past 12 months really with COVID and everything. the club was just slowly getting back on its feet and all of a sudden that happens the other day,” Menkins said.
“We have to support the club and that’s what we’re doing now, as a community. It’s great to see everyone down here.”
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