COVID-19 puts a fizzer on Mindil Beach’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display

MINDIL Beach will not be lit up by fireworks at the stroke of midnight tonight due to the COVID-19 pandemic

MINDIL Beach will not be lit up by fireworks at the stroke of midnight tonight because the Mindil Beach Casino Resort has opted against holding the display due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is one of the few occasions in the casino’s near 40-year history that it has not had fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

General manager Avril Baynes said the casino had decided against featuring fireworks as part of its New Year’s Eve event as a safety precaution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Picture: Che Chorley

“ (Mindil Beach Casino Resort) won’t be having fireworks as historically they attract large crowds which, due to social distancing requirements, we cannot accommodate within the property this year,” she said.

However, she said there was a chance fireworks would return to the casino’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in future.

“Whilst we may consider bringing back fireworks in the future, we are also keen to explore more environmentally friendly options such as lightshows as possible alternatives,” she said.

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The casino will still be holding a New Year’s Eve event tonight, with acts including “piano man” Chris O’Brien, DJ Hoops and Rubber People

Ms Baynes said New Year’s Eve was traditionally one of the casino’s busiest nights of the year.

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