For a second successive year Australia Day celebrations in Forster Tuncurry will be a no show.
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And, COVID isn't completely to blame.
Endless red tape, insurance and fear of offence are just some of the reasons formal Australia Day celebrations have fallen by the wayside.
For many years the Rotary Club of Lower Midcoast held a flag raising ceremony at Pilot Hill, Forster, followed by a breakfast barbecue and entertainment from the Great Lakes Band.
The customary breakfast and entertainment have been cancelled primarily due to lack of interest and the uncertainty of COVID.
"But, we will continue to have the flag raising ceremony to honour Australia Day," club president, Lance Fletcher said.
Sadly, MidCoast Council no longer has a local citizen of the year award or even an ambassador for Forster Tuncurry, Mr Fletcher said.
Forster Tuncurry Lions Club secretary, Mick McGrath said much of the members' energies has been taken up with the putt putt golf and trampolines in Forster, giving them little time to organise an Australia Day celebration.
But, we will continue to have the flag raising ceremony to honour Australia Day.
- Rotary Club of Lower Midcoast president, Lance Fletcher
"Years ago we used to help Rotary, but that was phased out," Mr McGrath said.
"But, things might come around again."
MidCoast Council general manager, Adrian Panuccio said future Australia Day celebrations in the Mid-Coast would be placed on the agenda for discussion by the new council in coming months.
Mr Panuccio explained organising formal celebrations on the back of the uncertainty of COVID was just too difficult this year.
"It's all been a bit tricky," he said.
He said council had been approached by the Combined Services Clubs of Taree to hold an event on the river stage in conjunction with its citizenship ceremony.
"It makes perfect sense; it will be a good event."
Celebrations will get underway from 8am when mayor, Claire Pontin conducts a special citizenship ceremony before the Combined Services Clubs of Taree will announce the local Australia Day awards winners followed by a day of festivities.
The celebrations will continue with an afternoon concert and evening fireworks display.
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