Whyalla City Council has made the difficult decision to cancel the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony, which was scheduled to take place at Ada Ryan Gardens on Wednesday 26 January.
With concerns over the increase in COVID-19 positive cases in Whyalla, it was deemed the most responsible decision to cancel this large-scale community event.
The Australia Day Event Committee will now host a small gathering to present the Citizens of the Year Awards and citizenships to our new residents.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said "I’d like to thank those involved in arranging the Australia Day events and the community groups who put their hands up to support these events. Although it is disappointing that we will not come together on this occasion, cancelling the event is in the best interests of our community during this time.
“Like other councils in the surrounding areas, we have a role to play in protecting our community and supporting our local health network. The increase in COVID-19 cases was therefore of concern and pivotal in the decision to modify the event plans. By making this decision, we are doing our part to try and stop the spread of the virus.”
Council will film and produce a short video to mark this occasion, which will be shared with the community.
Council has been made aware that the Free Family Fun Day at the Whyalla Recreation Centre has also been cancelled in the interest of community safety.
At this stage, the Harriers Fun Run will proceed under strict COVID-19-safe measures. The Whyalla Harriers are working with SA Health under their own COVID-safe plan.
Council encourages the community to stay up-to-date on the Harriers Fun Run by following their Facebook page, and for anyone attending the event to do so in a COVID-safe manner.