State government pulls plug on Australia Day fireworks at Docklands
The city’s official Australia Day fireworks display has been cancelled by the state government, as a result of Victoria’s devastating bushfire crisis.
VIC News
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Melbourne’s official Australia Day fireworks display scheduled for Docklands has been cancelled due to the bushfires crisis.
The state government has pulled the plug on the event that includes the support of Parks Victoria staff.
“Given the huge resources Parks Victoria has invested in fighting fires and protecting our parks and people over recent weeks, the Victorian Government has decided to cancel this year’s fireworks at Docklands,” a government spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.
“While we understand that this decision may disappoint some families, the focus right now of Parks Victoria is, and has to be, on working with our other emergency services in the firefighting effort and the recovery of communities and wildlife.”
The fireworks had been scheduled to take place on Harbour Esplanade as part of Australia Day celebrations next Sunday between 6pm and 9.30pm.
There will be no laser or light show to replace the fireworks, but other scheduled activities at Docklands such as roaming artists, entertainment and markets will still continue.
Councils such as Wyndham in the city’s west and Whitehorse in the east have previously announced they will dump their fireworks displays because of the bushfires.
It’s understood that the impact of the fires, and the contribution of emergency services, will be acknowledged in a number of ways on the day in the city, including in formal proceedings.
The Australia Day Parade, to start at Kings Domain from 11am, will be led by US firefighters marching with representatives from the CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria, and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.
The City of Melbourne has supported the government’s decision to cancel the fireworks.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said: “We understand the need to prioritise state resources in response to the bushfires.”
“The City of Melbourne is a general sponsor of Australia Day at Docklands, which promises to be an exciting celebration of Melbourne’s diversity, featuring music, dance and art.”
“We also hold an Australia Day citizenship ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall.”
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As part of managing Victoria’s parks and reserves, Parks Victoria supports the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria to prepare for, fight and recover from bushfires.