Fire Destroys ICC Club House on 4th June 2004

"The Illawarra Canoe Club wishes to express its dismay and outrage at the senseless destuction of its club house in Dapto during the early hours of Sunday morning. Police and Fire Officers were called to the premises at about 2:30 am to find the building well alight. Officers believe that group of up to 100 teenagers had been attending an 18th birthday party in the vicinity. The building was totally destroyed by fire, after the building was first vandalised and illegally entered. All equipment, including 30 boats ranging in replacement value from $500-$14,000, and facilities in the club house were lost.

The building was erected in 1983 by the members of the Illawarra Canoe Club to promote canoeing within the Illawarra region. In this role, the Club provides equipment, racing and training expertise for at least eight local Surf Life Saving Clubs from the Illawarra and South Coast Branches. The club house was used for a wide range of activities, and was also a store for canoes and kayaks used for training and educational programs. Most of the boats and equipment were donated by members for use by the general community. A number of members also lost their personal boats and paddles in the fire."