mmg.com.au

The Aussie is back in business after last month’s freak storm brought water cascading through the ceiling and a massive repair bill.

The iconic Shepparton pub opened its doors yesterday for the first time in nearly three weeks after the February storm destroyed internal light fittings and wiring, carpets, wooden and vinyl flooring, beer pumps and cellar stock.

Licensee Fiona Hicks said the insurance bill would amount to several hundred thousand dollars.

Mrs Hicks and her real estate agent husband Kevin bought the premises two years ago.

She said on the evening of Wednesday, February 27, water began to drip then pour from light fittings in the ceiling.

‘‘It was like a thunderstorm happening inside — it was a gut-wrenching feeling to see something we had been working on for two years so quickly destroyed over four hours,’’ Mrs Hicks said.

She praised the quick response of local plumbers and electricians who were on site from early in the evening.

‘‘The support of local tradesmen and the community has been really helpful,’’ she said.

She said the damage appeared to have been caused by a blocked stormwater drain.

‘‘Even when the rain stopped water kept pouring through the ceiling. It had nowhere to go,’’ she said.

She said this weekend the hotel will kick off a competition to win an electric guitar with an appearance by Longwood-based blues band Willie and the Dixons on Saturday night.

‘‘I certainly hope the Shepp community come back to support the pub — it’s just so full of heritage,’’ Mrs Hicks said.