City takes action on Batavia Motor Inne

/

Increased dilapidation and safety risks at the Batavia Motor Inne site have sparked the City of Greater Geraldton taking further legal action.

 

Previously the City had issued a building order on the owners of the derelict and dangerous site located on Fitzgerald Street which has been vacant for years and attracting anti-social behaviour.

 

In 2019, the City issued the owners with a building order to demolish and secure the site fully – however no action was taken.

 

The owners of the site have subsequently gone into voluntarily administration and an Administrator appointed.

 

With no further communication, the City took legal action against the owners who have now been fined for a significant breach of the Building Act 2011.

 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said it was ultimately a community safety issue.

 

“We are very aware of the ongoing issues at the site and it needs to be properly secure in order to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our community members,” he said.

 

“It’s a small win for us, but hopefully it means we can see some progress on the site to get rid of the eyesore in our CBD.

 

“Especially given the current health crisis, we need to ensure people aren’t congregating in there which we have seen a lot of.”

 

Recent court proceedings have resulted in the company being fined a penalty of $25,000 and also ordered to pay the City’s costs of $1,395.40.

 

The City continues to work with police to alleviate ongoing vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the site.

City now confident it can bring back staff

/

Reassured that it has fully complied with State and Federal emergency orders and health directions to provide a safe and healthy environment for its workforce, the City of Greater Geraldton is now confident it can start to bring back staff.

Around half of its staff will return to work on Monday 20 April as the City continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation whilst working towards returning to full capacity.   

Earlier this month, the City enacted its Crisis Business Continuity Plans to ensure the safety of its employees, and the community, by putting in place the following measures to reduce the risk of the spread:

  • Cancelled all events until further notice;

  • Closed City run facilities;

  • Reduced staffing levels at its Civic Centre to essential workers only; 

  • Reconfigured its open plan layout to adhere to social distancing requirements; and,

  • Tested and implemented working from home capabilities.

Buoyed by the low rates of transmission in the local area, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said he was confident that the time was right to bring back staff.

 

“The health and safety of our staff and our community is, and always has been, the City’s number one priority,” he said.

 

“We needed to do everything we could to act responsibly, keep our staff and community safe and help slow the spread.

 

“We appreciate this has been a difficult time but we genuinely have the best interests of our staff and our community, at the forefront of our minds in taking the action we have.

 

“We would like to sincerely thank those workers who remain stood down for their understanding.

 

“I am quietly confident that as the curve continues to flatten, we will be in a position to bring back more staff.

 

“With continued signs of having the virus at bay we need to start planning for the reopening.

 

“We will continue to monitor State and Federal Government directives on facility operations and provide advice accordingly,” he added.

Baston Grove Hand-picked Table Olives and cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil

/

All their products are gluten-free. Organically grown and produced in Chapman Valley Western Australia.

They also process their olives into cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a new state of the art oil press.

375ml & 750ml

Available in:

Green Natural

Lemon and Garlic

Flavours of Greece

Chilli & Garlic

375ml & 750ml

Green Jumbo and Black Kalamata olives marinated in mediterranean herbs and Olive Oil.

250ml

Available in:

Cold Pressed Extra Virgin.

Chilli Infused.

Garlic Infused.

Lemon Myrtyl infused.

100gm

GLUTEN FREE made with Australian Almonds, Sesame Seed and Spices.

Available in:

Traditional Egyptian

Chilli and Turmeric

190gm

Available in:

Natural

Chilli and Garlic

They also have:

5-litre tubs, ideal for restaurants and caterers. 

Available in all the above flavours. You may call them if you have your own special recipe you would like made up. 

2-litre Cold Pressed Extra 

Olive oil is air, heat and light sensitive so we pack our Olive Oil in a Cardboard Box with a Metalised film Bag and special tap. 

The bag collapses so no air can enter to oxidise the oil. Even if you don't use a lot of oil it will stay fresh for a very long time. 

Catering size Olive 

Oil, Extra Virgin and Virgin oil is available in:

  • 20 Litre.

  • 5 Litre.

  • 3 Litre


Gift Hampers for all occasions.



They can take phone orders on 0429 205285 and offer free delivery in Geraldton on orders over $15. Prepaid by credit card or direct debit over the phone.

City implementing measures due to lack of cooperation

/

Mulch has been placed on the skate park at Glendinning Park.

Lack of cooperation from some community members will see increased measures implemented at local skate parks and playgrounds.

Last week, the City of Greater Geraldton closed playgrounds and skate parks in compliance with requirements from the state and federal authorities in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis. 

Despite signage and roped off areas, some people are ignoring the closures, removing signage and continuing to use facilities.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said it was disappointing that some were not taking isolation requirements seriously.

“It’s unfortunate that people are disrespecting necessary requirements during this extremely difficult time,” he said.

“I urge all community members to comply with all isolation requirements so we can all get through this crisis as quickly and as healthy as possible.

“We will now be using a model adopted by many other local authorities, while it’s not something we want to do, it’s important we keep our community safe during this time.”

Mulch will be placed on the affected facilities to ensure they are not used during this time.

Mr McKim said he understood this time is particularly difficult for young children and youth, and encouraged the community to embrace other activities which are available online and in digital formats.

“It goes without saying that it is extremely hard to stay inside and practice social distancing during this time,” he said.

“We recognise this is a health crisis, but social implications on the community need to be carefully managed.

“I urge the community to embrace online resources and adapt as much as possible.”

The City’s Community Development team are working hard to ensure programs are still accessible.

Sunset Yoga is now live streamed through social media and a number of different organisations are implementing similar provisions.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

HealthyWA website

Commonwealth Department of Health  

State Government Coronavirus Page

 

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and please remain calm, together we will get through this. 

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

CEO sends timely reminder to dog owners

/

Dog owners are being reminded of their responsibilities as pet owners to ensure the safety of the community.

 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the important reminder comes after a dog attack occurred in Sunset Beach on Friday morning.

 

“An elderly woman is in hospital and the attack is currently under investigation,” he said.

 

“This is a timely reminder to all dog owners to ensure they exercise responsible dog ownership.

 

“I can confirm the City has impounded the dog and we are urging any witnesses to contact City Rangers.”

 

Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs are registered, are in a properly secured yard and not left to wander - in order to protect not only the safety of people, but dogs alike.

 

“Given the current health crisis, there are a lot more people out and about, getting their exercise and walking their dogs,” Mr McKim added.

 

“We thank those people who are practicing social distancing and cooperating with current restrictions.

 

“But there has been a recent increase in dog attacks, so please – make sure your dog is secure properly in your yard or on a leash if you are out walking it - I cannot stress this enough.”

 

If anyone was witness to a dog attack on Friday morning, they are urged to contact City Rangers on 9956 6600.

 

Community members are also reminded of their duties as pet owners with more information on the City’s website https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/live/my-home/pet-ownership.aspx

City offers relief with faster turn-around times

/

In the midst of the COVID-19 global health crisis, the City has done everything it can to expedite the processing of payments and will target paying invoices within seven days.

 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said many businesses were hurting and getting their invoices paid as soon as possible was crucial during this time.

 

“We understand the business community have been hit very hard with this outbreak and cash flow is critical to keep them going,” he said.

 

“So we decided to bring forward our regular payment terms which are usually 30 days – and do our best to turn them around in a week.

 

“In just one week we processed more than $2.5 million in invoices which we hope can offer some relief to businesses during this time.

 

“So get your invoices into us as soon as practical and we will do our best to get funds into your bank account within seven days.”

 

To help address the economic impacts caused by the current health crisis, Council agreed to endorse measures and actions to balance revenues but keep providing essential services to the community.

 

A special item at the most recent Council Meeting saw Councillors direct the CEO to prepare a 2020/21 Budget scenario based on a freeze of rates, and fees and charges, abolishing all parking fees, and waivers on rates instalment fees and interest.

 

The City has been working with local businesses to conduct a “health check” survey to better understand the struggles the community is facing.

 

The City has also reached out to business who have adapted or modified their services to offer take away and delivery.

 

They are encouraged to head to the City’s website to list their details for promotion.

 

A comprehensive list of links and resources for businesses can also be found on the City’s website.

Novus Glass Midwest In Times of COVID-19

/

Here at Novus Glass Midwest, the Health and Safety of our Team Members, Customers and Communities have always been our priority – never more so than right now given the escalating COVID-19 health situation.

In light of these recent developments, we have implemented several practices, which are outlined below:

  • Continual education to all staff members on the updated Department of Health    sanitising practices.

  • Monitoring the control authority advice from the Australian Government Department of Health for changes and communicating as these occur.

  • Updating our Coronavirus COVID-19 Plan as the situation evolves.

  • We have provided hand sanitizer rub and disposable gloves in store and in work vehicles for staff use.

  • We have social distancing procedures in place and we ask you to respect the prescribed safe distances while in our office or while our technicians are repairing your vehicle.

 

We have decided to alter our office opening times during this time as below;

 

Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm

Saturday – CLOSED

 

Please note that even with our Office not being open we are contactable for our After Hours emergency service and have our technicians available 24/7


We are a locally owned and operated business employing many local people, and as such, we value your continued support and understanding during this time.

 

Kind Regards

Scott & Gail Bennett

City Services Update #5: Changes to facilities and programming

/

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the global Coronavirus outbreak continues to be monitored closely.

 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City is monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

 

In addition to the already implemented changes to facilities and programming, the following has been advised: 

 

All playgrounds and skate parks including Pump and Jump Track at Spalding Park

-Closed from Monday 30 March 2020.

-All public BBQs will also be decommissioned during this time.

 

Ellendale Pool

-The road into Ellendale Pool will be closed from 12pm Monday 30 March 2020.

 

Community members are reminded that no more than two people are to gather in public places unless from the same household.

 

People aged over 70 should stay at home to self isolate and limit contact with others as much as possible. This also applies to people over 60 with chronic illness and Indigenous Australians over 50.

 

Businesses in Geraldton are advised there is relevant business links and resources on the City’s website at: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/covid-19-business-assistance-information.aspx

 

Customer Service at the Civic Centre and Mullewa District Office remain open however community members are encouraged to contact the City via phone or email, and use online services where possible during this period. If visitation to a City facility is necessary, please exercise social distancing.

 

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

 

The Geraldton Airport also remains open and patrons should contact airlines in regards to flight changes.

Ongoing announcements regarding City programs, shows and events will be released on the City’s website and social media platforms.

The Department of Health are the lead agency for the COVID-19 situation and people are advised to visit their website as a true and accurate source of information.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and please remain calm, together we will get through this.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Data boost for Sky Muster satellite broadband services in Durack

/

Homes and businesses in Durack will soon be able to access more data on their Sky Muster satellite services, with NBN Co to provide additional broadband data from 1 April 2020. 

 

NBN Co will offer permanent enhancements to its Sky Muster Plus offering, and a temporary increase to data allowances for standard Sky Muster plans to support the increased data needs of rural and regional Australians in response to COVID-19.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price has welcomed the decision.

 

“It’s particularly important for an electorate like Durack as we all adapt to new ways of living working and educating our children, to help keep businesses, families and students connected. We anticipate higher than usual internet usage across the NBN, in regional and remote areas,” Ms Price said.

 

The extra data that NBN Co is making available over the Sky Muster satellites – both permanent enhancements adding greater flexibility on Sky Muster Plus and the short term data boost on standard Sky Muster plans – will offer relief to regional and remote communities as their internet needs change over the coming weeks.

 

The NBN plays a critically important role in keeping rural and regional Australians connected, and this is particularly true as we face uncertain times,” Ms Price said.

 

Sky Muster Plus currently offers unmetered usage for selected internet essentials including web browsing, emails and internet banking. From 1 April, unmetered activities will be expanded to cover all online content and applications, with only two exclusions – video streaming and VPN traffic – which will continue to be metered.

 

Under the new offering, approximately 70 per cent of all data use is expected to be unmetered compared to about 30 per cent under the current plans, and the product will support unmetered usage for education applications and apps such as Skype and FaceTime for the first time.

 

For more information about the Sky Muster Plus satellite service visit: www.nbnco.com.au

Changes to facilities and programming

/

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the global Coronavirus outbreak continues to be monitored closely.

 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City is monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

 

In addition to the already implemented changes to facilities and programming, the following has been advised: 

 

QEII Seniors and Community Centre

-Closed from Wednesday 25 March 2020.

 

Parking

-All City free RV overnight parking locations in the CBD, Point Moore and Drummond Cove are closed.

-There is now free parking at all City carparks but time limits remain enforced.

 

Community Halls

-All community halls are now closed.

 

Mullewa

-The following facilities in Mullewa are closed: Mullewa Caravan Park, Recreation Centre and Gymnasium, Youth Centre, Mullewa Pool, Town/Lesser Halls and Mullewa Public Library.

 

School Holiday Program

-In-person activities as part of the April School Holiday Program have been cancelled.

-The City is working on delivering programs via digital and online platforms.

 

Ornamental water fountains are no longer operating and the City are closing public toilets to ensure social distancing and current hygiene standards are met.

 

All museums are also now closed, as is the Geraldton RSL Club.

 

Customer Service at the Civic Centre and Mullewa District Office remain open however community members are encouraged to contact the City via phone or email, and use online services where possible during this period. If visitation to a City facility is necessary, please exercise social distancing.

 

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

 

The Geraldton Airport also remains open and patrons should contact airlines in regards to flight changes.

Ongoing announcements regarding City programs, shows and events will be released on the City’s website and social media platforms.

The Department of Health are the lead agency for the COVID-19 situation and people are advised to visit their website as a true and accurate source of information.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and please remain calm, together we will get through this.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Council endorse flexible and rapid response to impacts of COVID-19

/

To help address the economic impacts caused by the current COVID-19 health crisis, Council have agreed to endorse measures and actions to balance revenues but keep providing essential services to the community.

 

A special item at tonight’s Council Meeting saw Councillors direct the CEO to prepare a 2020/21 Budget scenario based on a freeze of rates, and fees and charges, abolishing all parking fees, and waivers on rates instalment fees and interest.

 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City and Council recognise this is a health crisis, but social and financial implications on the community need to be carefully managed.

 

“We need to balance the prospect of declining revenues and calls for cost relief, with the need to continue delivering essential City services now while providing stimulus funding for new projects when the recovery period arrives,” he said.

 

“Our operational budget is $80 million, comprised of approximately $46 million in rates, $25 million in fees, charges and interest and $9 million in state and federal grants - meaning we are mainly self-funded.  

 

“The City would like to see stimulus funding provided to local government to help shoulder the financial burden being placed upon ratepayers in these difficult times.

 

“The City will endeavour to be flexible and provide rapid responses as the crisis unfolds and we ask the community to show tolerance to each other.

 

“Measures endorsed by Council will have a serious impact on the City’s Budget- but in light of our need to balance our operations with community concerns we feel these are reasonable steps to take at this time.”

 

During the Meeting, Mayor Van Styn also moved a motion to give immediate action directions to the CEO on a number of Budget and operational directives.

 

As part of Budget directives, the CEO was directed to immediately suspend commencement of any new capital and renewal work projects that are not significantly grant funded, or a significant safety project, until after the adoption of the 2020/21 City Budget.

 

There will also be an immediate review all operational service levels for the purposes of significantly reducing operational costs.

 

Immediate operational directives included ceasing the operation of all parking meters within the city and implementing ticket-free, free parking with time limits remaining enforced.

 

All remaining community facilities including the QEII Seniors and Community Centre, community halls, the Mullewa Pool and public ornamental water fountains will close.

 

Maintenance service levels will reduce at City ovals in response to the suspension of local sporting competitions.

 

All City free RV overnight parking locations in the CBD, Point Moore and Drummond Cove will close and a review of access to public toilets will take place to ensure social distancing and current hygiene standards are met.

 

Major shopping centres and stores will be contacted by the City asking for them to comply with state and federal health directives including the implementation of voluntary social distancing measures.

 

Lastly, the CEO was directed to investigate opportunities to support the local community through the impending isolation period by developing online services and communications.

 

“We need to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19 and ensure financial sustainability of the City is maintained,” Mayor Van Styn added.

 

“Council have provided immediate direction to the CEO in light of rapidly changing advice and escalating restrictions on public gatherings.

 

“This crisis will pass and we need to ensure we are ready to facilitate the recovery and recommence the provision of our community services.”

 

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City and as a result, there have been impacts on a number of facilities and programming.

 

All updates are available on the City’s website.

Urgent item introduced at tonight's Council Meeting

/

Please be advised there has been an urgent special item introduced into tonight’s Council Meeting agenda.

The item will discuss the City and Council’s response to the COVID-19 situation and will seek guidance on future measures, particularly associated with the preparation of the 2020-21 Council Budget. 

The updated agenda can be found on the City’s website here: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/council-meetings/ordinary-council-meeting/24-march-2020/156

The item 2020-21 BUDGET GUIDANCE – COVID-1 can be found on page 53 of the agenda.

Council Meeting will proceed with social distancing measures implemented. If you’d rather watch the Meeting online, you can watch the livestream here: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/your-council/council/council-meetings/live-streaming-of-council-meetings.aspx

Hilltop Hoods will be back

/

Hilltop Hoods have made a commitment confirming they will return to Geraldton to play a music event in the future.                                                                                                                  

After the recent ban from the government for all non-essential events of over 500 people – WoW Fest 2020 which was set for the Easter long weekend will not be proceeding as scheduled. 

However after recent discussions with this year’s headliners, Hilltop Hoods have made a commitment to return to Geraldton.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Hilltop Hoods for their assurance.

“We know the Geraldton community will be absolutely pumped with Hilltop Hoods reassuring us that they will play in Geraldton in the future,” he said. 

“We understand there was a lot of disappointment around the recent announcement, but the health and safety of our community is our top priority.” 

Middle Kids, Montaigne and Adrian Eagle were also scheduled to play at WoW Fest 2020 and confirmation of their involvement moving forward will be made when a date is announced in the future.

Tickets holders are advised, they can get their ticket refunded for WoW Music Fest 2020 or they can keep it and it will be honoured for the next scheduled music event featuring Hilltop Hoods. 

For ticket refunds, or any WoW Fest enquiries – contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Changes to facilities and programming

/

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the global Coronavirus outbreak continues to be monitored closely.

 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City were monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

 

With today’s bans cancelling non-essential indoor gatherings over 100 people, the City wishes to advise there will be some changes to facilities, events and programming during this time.

 

The following is advised:

 

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery:

-Remaining open however all public events including Gallery floor talks and workshops have been temporarily cancelled.

 

Geraldton Regional Library:
-Remaining open however all public events including workshops, children’s activities such as Storytime and Rhymetime, book sales, book talks, school holiday activities, and all outreach services have been temporarily cancelled.

 

Queens Park Theatre:

-Closed from Wednesday 18 March until further notice.

-Friends of the QPT film Ti Presento Sofia scheduled for this Friday 20 March has also been cancelled.

 

Aquarena:

-Remaining open.

-The Disco scheduled for this Saturday 21 March has been cancelled.

-All school swimming carnivals cancelled.

 

Events:

-WoW Fest 2020 will not proceed as programmed.

 

The following events and programs have been cancelled:

-ANZAC Day (April 25)

-Sunset and Sunrise Yoga

-Mullewa Muster and Rodeo (Saturday 20 May)

-Sundays by the Sea

-The RAC Intellibus launch and experience in Geraldton has been postponed.

 

Geraldton Multipurpose Centre:

-Remaining open at this stage, however no new bookings are being made.

-Any immediate bookings of 100 or more have already been cancelled.

 

QEII Seniors and Community Centre:

-The Seniors Action Group have scheduled in a meeting tomorrow to discuss program continuation during this time.

 

Youth:

- The youth diversionary program ‘Friday Night Football’ has been postponed.

-Decisions around the next School Holiday Program will be made in the coming weeks.

 

Rocks Laneway:

-City activation programming will be postponed.

 

The Visitor Centre, Civic Centre and Mullewa District Office will remain open as normal. The Geraldton Airport also remains open and patrons should contact airlines in regards to flight changes.

Ongoing announcements regarding City programs, shows and events will be released on the City’s website and social media platforms.

The Department of Health are the lead agency for the COVID-19 situation and people are advised to visit their website as a true and accurate source of information.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Funtavia rescheduled due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns

/

Geraldton’s Funtavia Festival planned for 1-2 May 2020, will be rescheduled due to concerns about the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak upon the event.

Funtavia Chair Rob Jefferies states “This decision has been made with careful consideration by the Funtavia Board after undertaking an extensive risk assessment process.“

“We had to act now and seriously consider the major risks such as a forced delay by circumstance beyond our control to meet our financial responsibilities to our sponsors, performers, and contractors and to best position Funtavia for its future sustainability.

“The Board attained the most relevant, objective information available to us from responsible agencies and authoritative health officers to make the decision,” said Mr Jefferies.

Professional public health advice provided to Funtavia included a forecast that COVID-19 cases in WA are expected to peak around July/August 2020. Therefore the closer Funtavia is to that time, the greater the risk.

Mr Jefferies said “This advice, along with further information relevant to Funtavia’ circumstances, greatly assisted our risk management process and decision making.”

“Our considerations are specific to the Funtavia event, and should not be projected onto others”, he advised, “key risk factors, financial resilience, timing and other considerations are going to vary, so differences in approach between events can only be expected,” Mr Jefferies added.

Funtavia is at a critical time in event preparations, moving from the planning stage where it could use the work completed in a rescheduled event, to the next stage of committing funds and resources based upon a set date and venue.

Mr Jefferies advised “An important core value of Funtavia and valuable feedback from previous years, is that Funtavia provides an amazing event, in a safe atmosphere where everyone thoroughly enjoys each other's company.”

“It is a joyous celebration of community spirit, but with this jubilant interaction an environment exists where recommended precautionary practises like social distancing become very difficult, and we also had to ask ourselves if a COVID-19 incident did occur, how could health officers reasonably trace and assist people who may have had a close contact,” Mr Jefferies said.

The Funtavia Board believes that the event’s well regarded sense of security and good will is compromised by the overshadowing concerns of the potential impact of COVID-19 in the community.

“Given the potential risk of an escalation of the COVID-19 threat that may exist in May, the level of concern already evident within the community, potential impact on adequate attendance numbers and the financial risk to our not-for-profit organisation, the Funtavia Board strongly believe this is the right decision for Funtavia,” Mr Jefferies added.

The Festival will be rescheduled once there is clarity around the extent of the COVID-19 impact on the Midwest. Once there is stability, Funtavia will regroup to determine the best time to hold the Festival.

Mr Jefferies expressed the Funtavia Board’s great appreciation of the support that the event receives.

“Whether you are an artist, partner, sponsor, volunteer, contractor or patron, please know that we greatly value all the time, effort and support invested into the Festival, this is why we continue and have drive to deliver this unique event. We look forward to the continuing support that shall move us to an incredible future festival.

The Funtavia website, Facebook, Instagram and E-news will contain relevant updates.

WoW Fest 2020 Announcement

/

Given recent communication from authorities, all unnecessary events over 500 people will not go ahead, and as such – WoW Fest 2020 will not proceed as programmed.

We’re saddened by this news, however public health and community safety are our absolute top priorities at this time. 

We’d like the community to know that they can get their WoW Music Fest tickets refunded by calling the City on 9956 6600. 

We understand and appreciate the frustration and inconvenience this is causing, but unfortunately this decision is out of our control and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and support as we move forward.