Possible change of date for Cracker Night an idea worth considering

As Territorians eagerly await a new date for Cracker Night to be announced some fireys have called for a change to the usual July 1 date, and it’s worth taking their argument into account – after all, they’re the ones who help keep us safe.

Fireworks over Mindil Beach on Territory Day 2019. Picture: Dess Dempster Territory Day 2019 Fireworks Gallery

TERRITORIANS will always have a day to blow things up and celebrate our independence

But as we eagerly await a new date for Cracker Night to be announced, some fireys have called for a change to the usual July 1 date.

They say celebrations should be permanently moved to a later date in the year, when there is less risk of starting a fire in the Top End.

It’s worth taking their argument into account – after all, it’s the fireys who help to keep us safe on Cracker Night (and every other day of the year for that matter).

Each year, dozens of fires break loose across the Territory as residents set off their legally purchased crackers.

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Looking at the fire incident map on July 1 shows just how busy the fire service are on Territory Day.

It can stretch fireys’ resources thin, as they rush from fire to fire mitigating property damage and keeping the community safe.

But some Territorians see Territory Day as intrinsically linked to Cracker Night.

Regardless of where you sit in the debate, the key to an enjoyable Cracker Night for all is to act sensibly.

Don’t go setting off fireworks willy-nilly – be mindful of your surroundings. If you make a mess, clean it up.

And most importantly, appreciate the special opportunity we get as one of the lucky few in Australia to be allowed to play with fire(works).

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