Coronavirus Gold Coast: Weddings, AFL, Eisteddfod, rugby, hospitality left in lockdown lurch

A hospitality venue operator has been left fuming after the State Government’s snap lockdown which also shut down multiple weddings, a giant performing arts festival, sport fixtures, a two-day gardening expo and a cheerleading competition. >> HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID

MULTIPLE weddings, the giant Gold Coast performing arts festival Eisteddfod, sporting fixtures, a two-day gardening expo and a national cheerleading competition have all been hit by the snap lockdown.

And hospitality operators have been left fuming at the lack of notice.

The State Government’s decision to plunge the Gold Coast and Queensland into a three-day lockdown with just hours notice from 4pm on Saturday killed off events for thousands of competitors.

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The Bulletin is also aware of at least two weddings that were happening on Saturday which had to be axed at the last minute.

One organiser Bree Maloney, who was less than impressed, posted about the sudden cancellation: “When you have a wedding in two hours that you have just finished organising and you get a warning that you are going into a lockdown, thanks Annastacia, you legend.”

Small bar king Scott Imlach said: “Another $200k of lost revenue. Rents and staff to pay. Six hours notice – bulls--t.”

Mr Hizola's owner Scott Imlach. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Gold Coast garden and sustainability festival Botanical Bazaar had opened the gates to the public for just minutes when they were told of the lockdown.

More than 90 exhibitors who had spent weeks preparing for the two-day event at Nerang had just hours to pack down before the 4pm lockdown.

Rotary Club of Gold Coast member and event co-chair Kate Kimmorley said she was ‘absolutely devastated’ by the snap lockdown.

“There was an enormous amount of work go into the event, it’s just heartbreaking,” Ms Kimmorley said.

“We had already sold 4000 tickets online during the morning, the vibe was fantastic and we had perfect weather, we had all the right boxes ticked.

“But what do you do? You have no control. That’s 2021 and 2020.”

Julia Rose spent thousands of dollars and two days setting up her exhibition of interactive headpieces and a flower crown workshop.

“As the news went around, people’s eyes just welled up with tears,” Flowers by Julia Rose owner said.

“The issue with the arts industry is, we put all the effort and energy into it, but you don’t actually paid until the event goes on.

“But everyone else was suffering at the same time so you just had to get on with it and pack down.”

In other axings or postponements:

– Organisers of the 2021 Gold Coast Eisteddfod are hoping to return to their normal proceedings on Wednesday to continue the six weeks of competition.

– The Gold Coast Suns were forced to call off their clash with Melbourne at the Metricon Stadium, which had been due to start at 3.10pm. The game will now be played on Sunday from 12.10.

– Surfing Queensland have moved Sunday’s state junior titles under 18 girls event to late August.

– Gold Coast District Rugby Union round 14 matches due to be played on Saturday afternoon were also called off. The board will meet on Monday night to choose whether to proceed with the semi-final or whether to replay round 14.

– The Southport School (TSS) was due to hold its Year 12 formal on Saturday night but the event was cancelled.

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Meanwhile, Queensland contestants in a giant cheerleading contest were left racing the clock to get back home after the announcement of the lockdown.

The Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation had begun the Queensland leg of its Cheer Battle on Saturday morning at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

The competitors ranging from primary school students to the accomplished cheerleaders were called with their parents to gather at the Carrara centre to be told the event was off because of a three-day lockdown set for southeast Queensland from 4pm.

It was supposed to run into Sunday and cars were soon lining the exit to pick up luggage and make the journey back home.

Sunshine Coast performer Lila didn’t have the chance to perform with her team but they will still be able to enter the competition via video.

The 12-year-old’s mother said: “Thousands of families had travelled down for this event. It’s a bit of a shock to hear it’s been cancelled,” she said.

“Because of the event being enclosed they have to clean and pack up before lockdown so only the first session were able to perform.

“There’s a lot of sad girls and boys.”

Sunshine Coast cheerleader Lila, 12, didn't get to perform at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation Cheer Battle after it was cancelled due to southeast Queensland's lockdown. Picture: Kyle Wisniewski.

The pair arrived on the Gold Coast Saturday morning and dropped their bags off at a family member’s house before heading to the event.

Like many, they had to make a quick escape to be out of the Gold Coast by 4pm.

“A lot of the team, especially those who have travelled a fair way, are staying at nearby accommodation and resorts,” Angie said.

“Now they have to get out and leave the accommodation before lockdown.”