Corowa’s “sensational” fireworks display
Corowa’s traditional fireworks display has been deemed another success and was thoroughly enjoyed by locals and tourists alike according to Rotary Club of Corowa Fireworks Chairman Paul Miegel.
This year’s display was held at RSL Park as opposed to John Foord Oval, where the celebrations were for the three years prior.
Following ritual, a display was shown at 9.30pm before again at midnight.
Mr Miegel said he was pleased with the turn out by families young and old despite some social media uproar regarding the venue switch.
“There were lots of families there and all of the feedback we got after the 9.30pm display was very positive, people (were) saying it was sensational and awesome,” he told The Free Press.
“Given the negativity on social media there was a little bit of apprehension as to how people would respond to it but the community turned up which was great.
“We thought the viewing was excellent and all in all it went off without a hitch.”
Mr Miegel said the best thing about the Corowa fireworks display to kick off the new year is it brings the community together.
Federation Council resolved to not object to the fireworks being held at RSL Park, subject to a detailed list of conditions, at the December monthly council meeting.
Public consultation was conducted by council in respect to the event application in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Corowa and received 14 formal submissions which were not in favour of the fireworks being held at RSL Park.
Council met with the Rotary Club of Corowa and discussed the possibility of moving the fireworks display back to John Foord Oval, but due to timelines, already purchasing of the firework shells by the pyro technician and substantially increased costs – if the fireworks were to be moved from the RSL Park the 2018/2019 display would have needed to be cancelled.
“We had to change it a bit this year because we didn’t quite have the funds that we’ve had in previous years, so we had to rethink how we were going to put on a good show for the community and it’s turned out ok,” Mr Miegel said.
“Everybody was happy with the event. For the money we had it was the best show we could put on for the community, that’s the economic reality.”
Mr Miegel said plans are not yet underway for next year’s display.
“We will have a bit of a debrief and talk to the RSL Club, it’ll very much depend on our sponsors and the community,” he said.
“If someone else wants to take on running a fireworks show, so be it, we won’t get in their way. If no one wants to then we’ll have our hand up again and certainly look to put on another show for the community.
“I would like to thank Rivalea and the RSL Club for their continued sponsorship that really enabled us to do the fireworks,” he added.
“Thanks to the community for their support and to everyone who turned up and Griff’s Fireworks – the pyro technician who put on a great show.”
A safety inclusion zone covering the fenced area around the fireworks was in place during the course of the display.
Nearly 2,000 people were greeted with a sea of spectacular lights and colours in the dark sky on New Year’s Eve.