Etihad Stadium offers refuge to Melbourne fire evacuees

Best known for hosting sport and entertainment, Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium has seen its name up in lights for its willingness to help out a big group of people who found themselves in desperate need of help following a city fire.

In the early hours of 25th November, fire alarms were heard throughout the Melbourne CBD as an apartment building in the Docklands next to the Stadium became a 'towering inferno' - with a blaze causing an estimated $5 million damage, leaving around 500 residents displaced.

Fortunately, no-one was injured but most were temporarily homeless.

Many of the residents were international students and authorities quickly established that a number were without day-to-day access to family or friends.

With Etihad Stadium’s 24 hour security witnessing the fire, word quickly passed to Stadium Chief Executiver Paul Sergeant who immediately offered function room space as a relief centre for the evacuees.

Suitable rooms were found, heaters were turned on while Etihad Stadium’s catering partner, Delaware North Companies Australia, provided hot breakfasts for the despairing residents, some of whom arrived at Etihad Stadium with little more than a blanket and pyjamas!

Sergeant, who has been at the helm of the stadium for just over two years, said he was particularly indebted to many of his experienced staff who got on the front foot enabling the stadium to be quickly prepared.

He explained "ultimately we were part of an effective combined effort involving various agencies including Victoria Police, Red Cross, City of Melbourne and State Government services.

“Obviously, we are a big space on the CBD doorstep so it was a great feeling to help out a group in some urgent need.

“The evacuees comprised young families, children, including some infants, and even pets.”

Most of the group spent around 15 hours in the Stadium, while, in the following days Etihad Stadium management provided additional rooms for on-going meetings, providing updates and further assistance for those affected.

While it was a difficult time, many public expressions of credit were paid to Etihad Stadium and its management team for its role.

23rd September 2014 - KEY APPOINTMENTS MADE AT MELBOURNE’S ETIHAD STADIUM