Local events, sporting matches and public gatherings planned in the coming months have fallen victim to the Coronavirus threat following the federal government’s decision to prevent mass gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday.
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This weekend’s planned Relay for Life will now be a virtual event, Federation Council have officially cancelled Easter’s Australian Billycart Championships, the IWWF World Show Ski Championships to be held in Mulwala this weekend was also cancelled.
Event organisers frantically met over the last several days to decide their event’s 2020 fate after Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the shock announcement last Friday about restrictions on public gatherings of more than 500 people describing the measures as “precautionary” with the aim of slowing the spread of the virus known as COVID-19.
The Grand Prix was also sensationally cancelled last week and other major sporting events such as this week’s opening AFL round matches are expected to go ahead without spectators, with AFL soon to release a revised 17 round season. Easter festivals and Anzac Day rituals will also be affected across the community.
Federation Council has taken the advice from the Federal and NSW Governments that non-essential large gatherings of people should be cancelled as an early measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
“This decision was not taken lightly, however the health of our staff, volunteers, competitors and crew, community members and our visitors is paramount,” Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke told The Free Press.
“Council has to ensure we play our part in doing all we can to minimise the spread of this virus across Australia. As per expert advice it would be irresponsible to continue with the event.
“We extend our sincere thoughts to all those who will be impacted by this decision. This comes at a difficult time for many in our community and especially our retail sector, as economic conditions prove challenging across the country.”
Council will now engage with the many stakeholders of this event, and any other future council-owned events should cancellations or postponements occur, to manage the changing situation and advise the public accordingly.
Council will also liaise with any other event owners, especially if they are on council-owned or managed land, to provide advice where possible.
“We will continue to engage with local businesses, with the purpose of attaining the impacts the Coronavirus is having on its operations to provide that information to State and Federal governments,” Mayor Bourke concluded.
This weekend’s Show Ski World Championships were also officially cancelled on Sunday after all international teams had already arrived in Mulwala.
Australian Show Ski Team Director Pete O’Neil said it was with immense sadness the event was cancelled due the Coronavirus threat.
“The governing body, the IWWF, chose to cancel without any consultation with us and with the fear of the COVID-19 as the reason,” Mr O’Neil said.
“We have greatly appreciated the support of the local community and our sponsors and will be contacting people this week to put plans in place,” Pete said.
Sporting games around the district are also in doubt with leagues and associations expected or have already suspended games and training until further notice. The Ovens and Murray and NEB Leagues were all in discussions at the time Chronicle was going to print. It has been reported the O&M League may be pushed out to a May 2 start.
With coronavirus affecting the nation’s everyday life, a number of local and state events have been postponed or cancelled.
Some of the known cancellations and postponements at time of print (subject to change):
Cancelled
Corowa Rutherglen Relay for Life (virtual relay to proceed in place of)
Blurry Border Photographer meet n greet;
ANZAC Day commemorations. (RSL Sub-Branches across NSW will be asked to conduct a single ANZAC Day commemorative service only but the public will be asked not to attend these services.)
Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The St John’s Anglican Church Fete on March 27.
Postponed
World Water Ski Show Championships at Max Kirwan Lakes Mulwala;
Corowa Australian Billy Cart Championships;
Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix on Lake Mulwala;
AFLNEB (womens and junior football)
Ovens and Murray, Hume and Tallangatta and District Football Netball Leagues all in discussions at time of print. The Ovens and Murray 2020 season has been reported as possibly being postponed until May 2.
Supermarket giant Woolworths has also released a list of items that have a limitation on the number bought after frenzied panic buying has seen many supermarkets around the country short on stock:
• One pack of toilet paper,
• One hand sanitiser,
• Two boxes of tissues,
• One pack of baby wipes,
• One pack of serviettes,
• One bag of flour,
• One bag of rice,
• Two packs of pasta.
They have also introduced dedicated opening hours from yesterday (Tuesday) for the elderly and disabled people to ensure they are able to purchase staples amid the frenzied panic-buying that has left shelves bare.
The special hours will run from Tuesday until at least Friday, between 7am-8am.
Before 8am, access to Woolworths stores will require proof of a concession card.
Home delivery service in Victoria has further been suspended due to “extraordinary” demand and suspended its pick-up service across Australia.
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