Australia Day fireworks cancelled in favour of laser display at Werribee
Australia Day fireworks have been dumped in Melbourne’s west as a mark of respect for those battling the bushfire crisis — and more councils could follow the move.
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Australia Day fireworks have been dumped in Melbourne’s west as a sign of respect for those battling the bushfire crisis.
A laser show will instead light up the sky over Werribee.
It comes after January 26 fireworks were abandoned for similar reasons in the city’s east.
More areas could follow.
Wyndham Council Mayor Josh Gilligan told the Herald Sun proceeding with the Werribee fireworks display would be insensitive to bushfire-affected communities and emergency services workers fighting the blazes.
In-demand CFA crews were also legally required to be on standby if the display went ahead.
“It’s a mark of respect,’’ Cr Gilligan said.
“We came to the view that it would be better that we are not tying done resources that could be used and deployed in other parts of the state.
“It’s the way of the future anyway — it will impress our local residents and achieve the same outcome.
“It’s recognition and respect but also making sure we’re still putting on a display that acknowledges the importance of our national day.”
Several councils had since contacted Wyndham about using lasers instead of fireworks for their celebrations.
“We didn’t just cancel them we looked for an alternative that residents were happy with,’’ Cr Gilligan said.
“I must say it’s been a pretty overwhelming response in favour — I have not had any negative responses around this decision.
“Something like this you would think may have some backlash but it’s quite the opposite.”
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Whitehorse Council earlier this month cancelled its Australia Day fireworks spectacular in light of the bushfires but will go ahead with a concert as planned.