The Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW) has stepped up with an immediate donation of $1000 to replace cash stolen from bushfire donation tins at the Oaks Hotel at Albion Park, by arguably the worst person in Australia.
The money, believed to be $500, was meant for the Albion Park Rural Fire Control Centre for bushfire-related purposes, and AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said doubling the money taken was the least the Association could do.
“Many people in the area gave generously to the bushfire appeal at the Oaks Hotel, we believe their actions should not be spoilt by a cold-hearted thief,” Green said.
“When he heard about the theft, AHA NSW and National President Scott Leach instructed the Association replace the missing funds as soon as possible.”
The donation is on top of an initial $250,000 donation from AHA NSW on 6 January 2020.
AHA NSW Illawarra Sub-Branch delegate Mick Dennis said local pubs were doing all they could to aid in the bushfire relief effort.
“Local pubs are the hearts of their communities and we are trying to do our bit to help out with bushfire relief,” he said.
“This theft was a ‘dog act’ and the AHA is happy to help out.”
Oaks Hotel licensee/manager Belinda Williams said she was thrilled with the donation.
“A lot of people in the area, including staff and pensioners gave generously to the bushfire fund and it’s great to see their generosity will be rewarded,” she said.
“I’d like to thank Scott, Mick and AHA NSW for the donation.”