Club Malua set for $1.5M new clubhouse after Black Summer devastation left nothing but bowling greens

A popular south coast club completely destroyed by Black Summer bushfires will receive a makeover 12 months on from the tragedy.

A popular south coast club devastated by the Black Summer bushfires is set for a $1.5 million rebuild which will include a new bar and kitchen.

Club Malua, at Malua Bay, south of Batemans Bay, was destroyed by fire on New Year’s Eve, 2019, with only the club’s bowling greens surviving the natural disaster.

As the bushfire spread towards the beach, more than 1,000 people evacuated there for almost 24 hours as they were surrounded by flames.

Evacuees take cover at Malua Bay after fire tore through the small town on New Year’s Eve, 2019. Picture: Al Baxter

In the wake of the fires, the Cabra Bowls Group owned club installed a temporary marquee clubhouse, which is soon set to be replaced with a permanent $1.5 million development if Eurobodalla Shire Council approves the plans.

Twelve months on from the blaze, the club’s bowling manager David Thomas said given so many homes were destroyed, the rebuild was going to take time.

Club Malua is set to undergo a $1.5 million dollar upgrade after it was completely destroyed by fire.

“It feels like forever, but with all the devastation you have to wait your turn,” he said.

The new building, which will have a maximum capacity of 130 patrons, will include a bar, kitchen, external deck area and an internal lounge area, as well as toilets and a cool room, all overlooking the club’s bowling greens.

Mr Thomas said the club’s members are looking forward to the rebuild, which he said will likely begin in March, which will be celebrated by a community family day on February 28.

“All our members are all excited to see it happen,” he said.

“Most people say they are looking forward to having a restaurant back.”