Maclean Highland Gathering prepared to push through recent COVID scare

With bands from Queensland uncertain whether they can attend, Maclean Gathering looks to a different plan as they prepare to go ahead with the annual Easter event

Maclean Highland Gathering 2019

A week ago, the committee for the Maclean Highland Gathering were worried their venue might be still underwater.

Now, they’re having to deal with the re-emergence of the outbreak that cancelled the event last year.

Public officer for the Lower Clarence Scottish Association Bob McPherson said they had an emergency meeting on Tuesday night to decide what to do about the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Queensland.

“We decided that we’re so committed we’re still going ahead with it,” he said.

“We just have two plans. Plan A includes all the bands coming from Queensland, and Plan Bis just going with the bands that can come.

“The decision will get made on Thursday, but at the moment the gathering is going ahead.

“We’re fired up and ready to go.”

Mr McPherson said a highlight would be the The Sydney Club Pipe Band being part of the competition, alongside regular bands, dancing and highland events all to be held at the showground.

The 4-5 years primary section about to perform at Maclean Highland Gathering 2019

The regular Friday night events, including the A-grade piping and the ceilidh would be held at the showground this year to comply with COVID restrictions.

Mr McPherson said the committee had worked with authorities extensively, and had been provided with equipment and staff to ensure a safe experience for all.

“We’ve got an extensive COVID plan, QR codes for entry with readers, and about 12 employed COVID marshalls,” he said.

“We’ve worked closely trying to get something together and we feel we can put on the event safely.

The only casualty of the COVID-19 regulations is the Saturday morning street parade, with numbers unable to be controlled through the streets of Maclean.

All that was left was for the town to come out and support the event Mr McPherson said.

“Obviously we need people through the gates fund it, but it’ll be a show worthwhile coming to,” he said.

“Last week were a bit worried about the ground; it was like a lake on the showground.

“But the water has gone and council mowed it on Monday which is encouraging if they can get their gear on there, and I’ve been told it’s very good underfoot – and the grass looks magic.

“Now all we can do is hope for no rain.”

Clarence Valley Council’s general manager Ashley Lindsay said Council staff have been working with the Lower Clarence Scottish Association to ensure the event happens and is safe for the community and visitors.

“Our staff, along with the NSW Health Public Health Unit and the Mass Gathering Unit in Sydney have all been working with the LCSA to make sure the event’s COVID Safe Plan is appropriate, manageable and effective” Mr Lindsay said.

“We of course sponsor the Maclean Highland Gathering and have done so for many, many years. However, it’s more than that. We love this event and it’s so important to not only the Maclean community, but to all the people who visit every Easter to compete and enjoy the gatherings atmosphere. It’s also an important boost to local businesses.”