2022 MELON FEST CANCELLED IN CRUSHING BLOW TO CHINCHILLA ECONOMY
THE Chinchilla Melon Festival has been called off for the second year running due to Covid concerns, crushing the huge event that can bring up to 20,000 tourists to the Western Downs.
Event organisers announced the cancellation of the major 2022 event due to “ongoing COVID-19 restrictions across the country”.
A Chinchilla Melon Festival Committee spokeswoman said it was too risky for the region to go ahead with the festival given the spiralling Covid crises in other states.
“Many predicted this news was coming, but we are still devastated to announce we’re postponing our event for another year,” she said.
Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry president Shannon McDermott said he was shocked to hear about the festival cancellation, but wasn’t surprised.
Founding committee member and melon farmer Darryl O’Leary said despite the cancellation, it was important to recognise the hard work and dedication of producers and businesses across the region.