COVID claims another victim

COVID-19 fears have forced the Gold Coast City Council to scrap traditional Australia Day celebrations next Tuesday.

Mayor Tom Tate said the ongoing pandemic made it impossible for the large-scale event at the Broadwater Parklands to go ahead on January 26 despite this month’s successful staging of the Magic Millions race day.

The event, which normally attracts crowds of more than 5000 people for stalls, rides and concerts, was considered impossible to hold because it was unticketed and not deemed COVID-safe under health regulations.

However, Cr Tate confirmed other small-scale celebrations would still go ahead in a reduced capacity.

“While we would love to have everyone come together for Australia Day, we want to ensure that everyone stays safe in 2021,” he said.

“Instead we will have a week of celebrations of all things Australiana with our themed movies under the stars summer series in the days leading up to Australia Day.

“On Australia Day itself we will still go ahead with our pool party at the Southport Aquatic Centre, and 1500 people will be allowed in but it’s first in, best dressed because we had to trim the numbers down.”

All public parks will be open for picnics, barbecues and family celebrations, with council maintenance staff out mowing this week to prepare them for an influx of visitors.

However, police will be out in large numbers and tasked with enforcing social distancing if necessary.

Cr Tate urged the public not to gather in large groups to

prevent any transmission.

“Specifically, yes I am asking that because unless you are family members, you do not know where the last person has been.

“I am asking this so you can protect your own family because you would never forgive yourself if you spread it to them.

“We are being very cautious still, especially with the new highly infectious strain of COVID out there from the UK, so the city has done so well and we want to be able to celebrate Australia Day without any outbreaks.”

Traditional citizenship ceremonies will also go ahead with numbers capped as a precaution against the potential spread of coronavirus.

An extra number of ceremonies will be held throughout the year to celebrate new Australians.

The Mayor, himself sworn in as a citizen more than 40 years ago, said it was “heartwrenching” to be forced to limit the numbers.

“There will only be 50 Australians sworn in (at the council ceremony on Tuesday),” Cr Tate said.

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