The Bourke community is mourning the loss of a beloved historic building, after a fire tore through the Diggers Memorial Club yesterday afternoon.

The Bourke RSL, which included Diggers on the Darling and the Old Oxley Hall, went up in flames at 3:30pm yesterday, destroying both buildings in the complex.

Police attended the scene immediately to find both buildings well alight. The area was evacuated, including the closure of a nearby supermarket.

NSW Fire and Rescue fought the blaze alongside Bourke Rural Fire Service until early this morning, although neither of the buildings were able to be saved.

No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Fire and Rescue Zone Duty Commander Steve Knight says the presence of asbestos in the building means that the strict safety precautions will be implemented while the investigation into the source of the fire is undertaken.

“We must remember that the people living and working in that building are now homeless. They probably lost everything they possess,” said Mr Knight.

The fire tore through Diggers on the Darling and the Old Oxley Hall. Photo courtesy of Outback Radio 2WEB.

The destruction of both buildings is a significant loss to the community of Bourke, with each a significant piece of the town’s history.

Hundreds of locals and have flocked to social media to remember their fond memories in the hall and at local RSL Club and restaurant Diggers on the Darling, and to express their sadness at its destruction.

“Locals are devastated, there’s so much to reminisce about,” says Bourke local Melanie Milgate.

The Old Oxley Hall, built in the 1950s, served as a community hall for many decades, Iconic Australian performers Johnny Farnham and Slim Dusty have performed there.

The Oxley Hall was built in 1950s or so, and served the community throughout the next three decades or so as a community hall, hosting balls, concerts, and wedding receptions.

It was fibro-walled, heavily louvred, with an art deco style front. The Hall was converted into an indoor sports facility for a time, hosting indoor cricket and other games, before being out of service for several years during the 2000s.

When the current owner of Diggers bought the site, he revived the Hall as a function centre.

Diggers on the Darling was home to a significant amount of the community’s war memorabilia that is now lost to the fire.

“I want to praise Bourke Fire and Rescue Captain John Milgate and his dedicated team for preventing the fire from spreading to other spaces in the vicinity,” Mr Knight said.

A crime scene has been established and police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious. Inquiries are continuing.