The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of this year’s Narrabri Show, traditional Anzac Day activities and the annual Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire.
The cancellation of major local events comes amid the shut down of a spate of iconic national, state and regional social and business events and sporting fixtures.
The Prime Minister Scott Morrison had earlier announced that ‘non
essential’ gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19.
In NSW, individuals who fail to comply with the ban on gatherings of more than 500 could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both, plus additional penalties for each day the offence continues.
Corporations face even harsher fines.
Narrabri Shire schools are following NSW Department of Education precautionary measures to limit the impact of COVID-19.
The Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire, scheduled for the last weekend in April, has been cancelled.
“We had no option, it had to happen this way,” said Drovers’ Campfire founder Geoff Eather.
Mr Eather has seen the Campfire grow from 23 caravans at Boggabri Showground in 2006 to more than 300 last year and become a major tourism event on the Narrabri Shire calendar.
“We have had as many as 500 vans and campers, well over the 500 person limit,” said Mr Eather.
“It has been a major success for the Boggabri community and Shire tourism.”
However, the Campfire organisers plan to re-schedule the event ‘bigger and better’ for next year.
Meanwhile, organisers are significantly out of pocket having spent on promotion and merchandising in anticipation of the event.
“We can carry over some of the merchandise, but we will take a very big hit like everybody else. No one is immune.”
Narrabri RSL sub branch secretary, Gary Mason, said the staging of Anzac Day had been reviewed. Ancac events across NSW have been cancelled.
Anzac Day attracts a large attendance in Narrabri, with dawn and mid morning memorial services and day long activities preceded by a community march.
Mr Mason said he and other NSW sub branch presidents had discussed the situation with acting NSW president Ray James.
“We won’t be having a march, but are looking at perhaps modifying the format for an observance of some kind within the legal and health parameters,” he said.
Narrabri Show president Cheryl Pawley confirmed the Narrabri Show Society had made a decision yesterday to cancel the 2020 Show which was set down for May 1, 2 and 3.
“After careful consideration of the advice from the Federal Government and notification that NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard we have made the regretful decision to cancel this year’s Narrabri Show” said the Show’s executive committee in a statement.
“While the cancellation is disappointing and another major setback for the local community, it is the right thing to do to control the spread of infection and keep people safe.
“The Narrabri Show has a long and distinguished history and is an event which many in our local community hold dear, so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly.
“We must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our patrons and everyone involved with the Narrabri Show.
“We have taken the decision early in consideration of those planning to exhibit and compete in the Show, our Stewards who are already in preparation for the event, our commercial partners, entertainment providers, and volunteers so as to minimise the disruption and impact on them.
“It’s been an incredibly tough time over the last few years with the impact of the drought in our area and this is yet another set back. However, we are a resilient and resourceful bunch of people in the Narrabri Show Society and with the support of our members and our local community we will bounce back with a bigger and better Narrabri Show in 2021.”
Narrabri public schools are observing NSW Department of Education measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 in schools.
Students have been advised of the necessary hand washing and other requirements.
Secretary of the Department of Education, Mark Scott, announced that NSW schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.
Mr Scott said the measures were precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.
“From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions,” he said.
“The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff.”
“These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sport, initiative activities and events.
All major Arts, Sports and Initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice.
This includes whole school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.
“Local inter-school sport and other activities, can proceed but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken.”
St Francis Xavier’s principal Michael Ball confirmed that the school is taking all necessary precautions in dealing with the potential issues arising from COVID-19.
Narrabri High School has suspended school assemblies and meetings, and is taking necessary precautionary measures and keeping students and staff advised.
Principal Dinos Charalambous said while there were no school assemblies of students and staff there was communication by phone and the school’s public address system and emails. (See page 12.)
And NSW courts are implementing changes to minimise the spread of coronavirus. From Monday, all new Supreme and District Court jury trials are suspended until further notice. These courts don’t sit in Narrabri.
The Local Court will implement greater use of Audio Visual Link technology to minimise the number of people in court.
To order photos from this page click here
