Clubs as heat and smoke refuge
ACT clubs can apply to be a refuge during extreme heat and smoke events. Clubs can claim costs as community purpose contributions.
Under the Gaming Machine ACT 2004, licenced clubs can apply to become a heat and smoke refuge during emergency events. Clubs can claim some of the costs involved as community purpose contributions.
Program objectives
The Clubs as Heat and Smoke Refuge program aims to encourage clubs to provide refuge for members of the community during emergency events.
Club refuges give the community an alternative venue with air conditioning during heat and smoke events.
Club refuges do not operate as an evacuation centre.
Who it is for
Licenced clubs can apply to become a heat and smoke refuge.
What you can get
For the period your club is declared a refuge, you can claim a community purpose contribution for the cost of:
- supplying free non-alcoholic drinks to people attending the club as a refuge
- any membership fees you have lost.
How to apply
To register your interest to operate as a heat and smoke refuge during an emergency event:
- Read the Club as heat and smoke refuge guidelines [PDF 200 kB].
- Complete the Expression of Interest form [DOC 137 kB].
- Email your form to the address on the form.
After you apply
We’ll assess your application and let you know the result within approximately 4 weeks.
When an emergency event happens
When an emergency or other hazard event is in place, clubs who are approved may be declared to operate as a refuge.
We will inform you of this declaration, how long it will last and any other conditions.