More than 18,000 show support for Defqon. 1 after tragedy
Supporters rally behind Defqon. 1 festival organisers by signing a petition to keep the festival in Penrith.
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More than 18,500 people have signed a petition to keep the Defqon. 1 dance music festival in Penrith.
This comes after Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres swore to prevent Sydney International Regatta Centre from hosting next year’s event after two people died in drug-related incidents at the festival earlier this month.
A 26-year-old woman from Jamisontown was taken to hospital in a critical condition and discharged sometime in the past week.
A 19-year-old man was taken to Westmead Hospital and put into intensive care.
Two other deaths have been recorded in the festival’s history — James Munro died in 2013 and Nigel Pauljevic died in 2015.
Mr Ayres renewed his comments this week.
“Two more young people have died at Defqon. 1 this year and I will not be allowing this event to take place at the Sydney International Regatta Centre into the future,” Mr Ayres said.
According to a Defqon. 1 spokeswoman, about 700 people recorded a medical incident but only six hospital transfers for drug-related issues.
The Change.org petition called “Defqon 1 Sydney 2019” was started two weeks ago and so far 18,573 have signed it.
The post read: “In light of recent events, and the sad decisions made by a small minority, members of the NSW Government have deemed the Sydney International Regatta Centre not suitable to host the event to the great disappointment of the rough 30000 fans of this years attendance alone.
“This petition is simply to unite our support in a way that we can only hope will be taken into consideration.
“We are a family, Let’s show them that these poor decisions shouldnt (sic) end the just marked 10 years of incredible memories, music and artists that we’ve witnessed and enjoyed together.”
The festival on September 15 attracted more than 30,000 people.
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The Press ran a poll on Facebook last week which showed residents were divided on whether the festival should continue or not.
After more than 2300 votes, 48 per cent agreed with the State Government’s decision and 52 per cent said more could be done to make it safer.
The dance music festival recently celebrated a 10 year milestone.
The Defqon. 1 spokeswoman said it would be “premature” for organisers to make any decision about next year’s festival.
“The investigation is ongoing and we’re working hand-in-hand with the authorities,” the spokeswoman said.
She emphasised that crowds had been “complimented” on their “exceptionally good behaviour”.
“They were very well-behaved,” she said