Australia Day activities planned for the shire have joined the list of COVID event casaulties in the North West after Narrabri Shire Council announced public festivities had been cancelled.
In a statement, council said a decision had been made in consultation with the shire-wide Australia Day committee members.
The rising number of COVID cases in the shire and the estimated peak of case numbers in coming weeks were the cause of the cancellation, council’s statement said.
Mayor Ron Campbell reiterated that with ongoing uncertainty and the high number of active COVID cases within the shire, that the health and wellbeing of the community is paramount.
“Australia Day activities are traditionally held across Boggabri, Narrabri and Wee Waa, however, conducting large community events in accordance with Public Health Orders whilst maintaining the health and safety of the community is extremely challenging at this time.
“The Australia Day awards ceremony will still be conducted on Wednesday, January 26, with only the award nominees, citizenship ceremony participants and a limited number of their family members, relevant dignitaries and staff able to be present.
“We understand this will cause disappointment to a number of people who traditionally attend this event every year. Narrabri Shire Pools will still have free entry on Australia Day with facilities open from 12pm to 6pm for recreational swimming and will be operating in line with relevant health orders.”
The official Narrabri Shire Australia Day awards ceremony will be recorded and placed online across various council social media channels at a later date. Award winners will be published in The Courier.
Council acknowledged the contribution of the community members who volunteer their time on Australia Day committees across the shire, council staff, and the National Australia Day Council.
The events to be cancelled include the activities in Wee Waa, Boggabri and Narrabri. The awards ceremony will not be held at the aquatic centre, as previously advertised.
