Following consultation with event partners, Kempsey Shire Council has today announced that The Macleay Valley Bushfire Parade and Concert will be postponed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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This action is being taken in the interests of the safety of the community, concert and parade participants as well as event staff and volunteers.
Council has also postponed the Face to Face, Side by Side Ladies Lunch event planned for this Saturday at Willawarrin.
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager Craig Milburn said it was very disappointing to have to postpone the events.
"The coronavirus outbreak is a serious issue and we are actively managing an evolving situation," said Mr Milburn.
"As part of this process, we have examined our planned public gatherings and taken the decision to postpone the parade and concert as well as the Ladies Lunch until there is more comfort and safety around public gatherings."
Though the parade and concert will not go ahead on March 28 as planned, Mr Milburn expressed confidence that the community's gratitude and enthusiasm could still be marked.
"The parade and concert were designed to be celebrations, to mark the end of fire season, to thank those extraordinary individuals and organisations who helped us in our hours of need and as a community to look ahead with optimism," he said.
"While it's hugely disappointing for everyone involved to have to postpone, we will find other ways to say thank you and to draw a line in the sand as a community."
Council are examining the necessary responses to the virus across the organisation as a matter of urgency.
"Like other responsible organisations, council has been closely monitoring the information and advice that is coming from our Federal and State health authorities and are taking our lead from there," said Mr Milburn.
"Our priority remains the safety and health of our staff and community."
A Mayoral minute will be tabled at tomorrows Council meeting that will outline Council's broader position at this time on events and community interactions on this rapidly evolving situation.
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