Fire Rescue Victoria has confirmed the incident had no casualties, while Victoria Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Speculation regarding the cause includes an electrical short circuit, but arson has not been ruled out.
The editorial staff of Il Globo and Rete Italia immediately got in touch with Federico Martin, secretary of the Furlan Club.
Speaking live with Riccardo Schirru, Martin explained that the fire was reported by the venue’s staff.
Martin said that much of the facility was damaged, with the banquet hall and gambling room among the worst affected areas.
“We still have no idea of the total extent of the damage,” explained Martin.
“We’ve been prevented from accessing certain areas because the flames have reached the ceiling, and there’s a risk it could collapse.”
Fortunately, staff members were able to save many of the Furlan Club’s historical artifacts from the ‘Heritage Room’, a new room at the Thornbury facility which opened just a few months ago.
“We were able to save many of our books, artefacts and paintings that tell 67 years of the Furlan Club’s history,” shared Martin.
The priority at the moment is to secure the damaged areas that pose potential safety risks.
The club aims to reopen its doors as soon as possible, but there is no clarity as of yet as to when that might occur.
In the meantime, many institutions within the Italian community, as well as representatives and leaders of clubs and associations have expressed their solidarity and support.
Among them, Com.It.Es Victoria & Tasmania president Ubaldo Aglianò offered to help the Friulian Club resume its activities as soon as possible.
“[After learning of the fire] we immediately contacted the club’s secretary, Fred Martin, to understand the club’s current condition and to express our solidarity and sympathy,” said Aglianò.
“We have also stated that the Friulian community in Melbourne will not be left alone and that we will offer every possible support so that the club can soon reopen its doors to its patrons and return to hosting its initiatives.
“In the next few days, we’ll meet in person with representatives of the club, and we’ll evaluate together what Com.It.Es. and the Italian community of Victoria can do to give full support, so that it can quickly return to full operation.”
At the moment, the Furlan Club will remain closed until further arrangements are made, but is determined to resume operations as soon as possible.
While the investigation continues, the community unites in support and in the hope of a speedy recovery for this institution that is fundamental to local social and cultural life in Melbourne.
