Insurance claims for storm and flood damage at Club Maitland City will top half a million dollars, CEO Ian Martin said.
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But the effects of that damage and three days loss of trade contrasted sharply with the spirit shown as staff rallied to clean up.
And patrons continue to support the club in spite of the loss of carpets.
“Never in the history of this club have we experienced this sort of rainfall,” Mr Martin said.
“My oldest members tell me they have never seen anything like this.
“But shining through all this is the attitude of our staff - they have been exceptional.
“Within a few hours of the damage, 15 staff had arrived to help us, although many of them had storm problems of their own at homes.”
The $60,000 damage to the club included 2500 square metres of carpet destroyed and two elevators filled with water. The club also lost power and phone reception was bad.
“We contacted staff on social media and we borrowed generators from staff to get some power going again,” Mr Martin said.
“All Wednesday we worked until light faded and, on Thursday, we had some power back on.
“By 9am on Friday, we could open for trade again.”
Mr Martin said damage to club’s playing surfaces had not been significant but repairs could take three months because such a large amount of carpet had to be replaced.
“People rallied to support us after the storm - they are tolerant and understand what happened,” he said.
Club Maitland City will host a charity concert on Sunday, May 24, to raise money for the relief efforts at Maitland and Dungog.
The event begins at noon and ends at 7pm; entry is $10.
