Forbes Shire Council has cancelled or postponed events scheduled for the next two months in light of new advice from the Federal Government regarding Covid-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The most recent announcement from the Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday March 15 provides guidance on a ban on all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
The council advised via Facebook that - in light of this advice - the following Council events will be cancelled or postponed:
1. Forbes Harmony Day/Foodies Markets - Sunday 22 March - CANCELLED
2. All Abilities Cooking Day - Wednesday 1 April - CANCELLED
3. Super Mega Fun Day/Youth Week Awards - Saturday 4 April - POSTPONED
4. Forbes Shire Council 150 Years Gala Dinner - Saturday 2 May - POSTPONED
5. Heritage Festival and Bush Dance - Saturday 9 May - POSTPONED
If you are a community organisation hosting an event in the next few months, please refer to the NSW Health Department website (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.../dise.../Pages/coronavirus.aspx) or the attached info sheet from the Australian Government for guidance in running your event safely.
Member for Orange Phil Donato, who had planned to host a maternity forum on Sunday afternoon at the Parkes Services Club, has decided to postpone the event because of Coronavirus concerns.
The Member for Orange made the announcement on Monday morning.
"It is with regret that I advise you all the community forum which I had planned to host on Sunday, March 22 at the Parkes Services Club will now be postponed," he said.
"I apologise if this has inconvenienced anyone, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic it's best to avoid non-essential public gatherings and mitigate any potential risk.
"Maternity and health services at the Lachlan Health Service remain a high priority and I will continue to pursue restoration and continued delivery of our essential health service in both Forbes and Parkes."
Mr Donato said he is maintaining communications with both Forbes and Parkes shire councils, the Western NSW Local Health District and the Health Minister on this important matter.
"I'll be sure to advise everyone of a future forum date in due course," he said.
The event's postponement follows a number of other cancellations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, not only in Parkes and the Central West, but right across the country.
READ ALSO: Forbes Rugby President's lunch cancelled
On Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that all gatherings of 500 people or more would be cancelled from Monday, March 16 to try and curb the spread of the virus.
The call was made after a meeting with health officials and the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), where Mr Morrison also asked Australians travelling into the country to self-isolate for 14-days after arriving home and to cancel any 'non-essential' travel overseas.
For the first time in a century and during peace-time the country will call off festivals, sporting events, concerts and other public gatherings, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, as well as banning handshakes.
Locals are being urged to use common sense and caution with the COVID-19 virus continuing to spread its reach across the country.
Questions have also been raised if the Trundle ABBA Festival, scheduled for May 2, will go ahead.
Organisers on Friday afternoon said on its Facebook page they are in discussions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 virus and the future of the festival in 2020.
"As per the advice of the Prime Minister and government agencies we will be waiting until Monday (16th March) to make an informed decision about whether it is appropriate to go ahead with the festival as planned or to cancel the festival this year," the message said.
"We all hope we can find a way to make this tremendous event continue but the health and safety of all of us is our number one priority.
"As soon as we have further information, we will make another announcement."
Other events around the region have been cancelled or are also in discussions whether or not to go ahead.
The Lambing Flat Chinese Festival in Young and International Festival of Understanding have also been cancelled.
President of the Henry Lawson Festival committee in Grenfell, Noelene Brandt said the committee would be meeting on Tuesday night to discuss its situation.
And there is a possibility the Woodbridge Cup and Group 10 rugby league seasons would be delayed because of Coronavirus.
No decisions have been made around the Group 11 season as yet but NSW Rugby League is expected to make an announcement sometime in the coming days.
Uncertainty still surrounds the Canowindra Balloon Festival on April 15-19 and the 2020 Young Dressage Championships at Bendick Murrell, held on the same weekend.
But decisions are expected to be made in coming days.
What do you think?
