Darwin alderman calls for ‘war zone’ Cracker Night to be canned forever, saying 2020 is an example of how Territory Day should be celebrated
A DARWIN alderman who wants fireworks banned says 2020 is an example of how Territory Day can be celebrated without a ‘war zone’ of crackers.
Northern Territory
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A DARWIN alderman who wants fireworks banned says 2020 is an example of how Territory Day can be celebrated without a “war zone” of crackers.
Darwin Council alderman Justine Glover said she wanted fireworks left to the professionals beyond 2020, with public fireworks sales banned.
“I’ve spoken about seeing the absolute trauma fireworks can cause to children, adults, family, permanent disability, psychological damage, also financial damage when people aren’t able to go to work,” she said.
“It’s terrifying, people describe it as a war zone.”
Alderman Glover said there were other things Territorians could do to celebrate our self governance.
“Territory Day is about living in paradise in the tropics with freedom to travel to the most beautiful ancient parts of Australia with the oldest culture in the world and living in the community that is so laid back and relaxed,” she said.
“Why would you want to live anywhere else?”
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While Alderman Robin Knox wasn’t as steadfast on a ban, she said she’d like the sale and use of fireworks to be managed better.
A motion Alderman Knox recently tried to move through council would have gauged public opinion on the future of fireworks in the Territory.
“I would have liked to get people to say what they wanted to with fireworks not there this year, if I do it next year when we get fireworks it’ll be really emotional,” Alderman Knox said.
“We can have a good time without them but I don’t say we have to stop them that’s never been my line. I’d like to see a little bit more moderation in the amount of fireworks we burn up.”
However, Alderman Knox said there were plenty of other ways Territorians could enjoy the evening.
“I missed the fireworks but I’ll be doing other things which will be fun,” she said.
“I won’t miss the fact it feels like a war zone and I’ll enjoy the clean air.”
Clayton Jewell, 16, said he was disappointed there wouldn’t be any fireworks and was looking forward to making up for it next year.
“We’re having parties, probably in the Fannie Bay area. It’s disappointing, we used to go out to parties and crack a few fireworks,” he said.
“I hope they’re back next year, I’ll be disappointed if they’re not.”
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Chief Minister Michael Gunner reiterated that cracker night would be back next year.
“Next year cracker night will be back bigger and better than ever,” he said.
Originally published as Darwin alderman calls for ‘war zone’ Cracker Night to be canned forever, saying 2020 is an example of how Territory Day should be celebrated