THE Tyabb Air Show, the Great Outdoor & 4×4 Expo at Mornington Racecourse, the Red Hill Show, and the Rosebud Kite Festival were probably the last big events on the Mornington Peninsula for the foreseeable future.
While timing was on their side, a host of other community attractions and events have been cancelled or postponed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Here is a list of many of them…
Shire services
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is postponing, cancelling or modifying delivery of a range of non-essential services, programs, events and activities.
These include libraries at Mornington, Rosebud, Somerville and Hastings, and the Mobile Library; Pelican Park Recreation Centre, Civic Reserve Recreation Centre and Somerville Recreation and Community Centre, and The Tourist Information Centre at Dromana.
The aim is to protect the community, particularly the more vulnerable, and help “flatten the curve” of the pandemic.
Staff will work from home wherever possible and cancel all non-essential face-to-face meetings over the next four weeks. They will be available by email or phone to assist where possible given the constraints.
Environment
BERG Mount Martha’s working bees, meetings and other events have been cancelled and THE BRIARS visitor centre and nursery has closed. However, until new advice is provided, the wildlife sanctuary and picnic and barbecue areas at The Briars will open as normal 9am-4.30pm daily.
The free plant giveaway, scheduled for April, has been postponed until September.
Autumn school holiday programs have been cancelled with full refunds to be provided.
Those who have booked weddings and functions can use their own discretion as to whether or not to go ahead. Staff will not be responding to issues: guests have been provided with emergency numbers should they be required.
The shire’s website and Facebook page will provide ongoing updates.
Theatre
ROSEBUD Astral Theatre Company president Brendan Croft said the Addams Family auditions had been cancelled. The company is looking at options for the September musical and Mr Croft said he would provide more information as it becomes available.
Art show
ART Red Hill, which had been planned for the weekend of 1-3 May, has been postponed.
Last year the opening night event attracted about 600 people, and more than 4000 over the Art Red Hill weekend. Hundreds of talented artists from the Mornington Peninsula and around Australia take part in the event which also features a cafe, kids’ art tent and pop-up shop.
Co-convenor Marlo Reyneke said the committee opted to postpone the show in consultation with the Red Hill Consolidated School and in line with government health advice. “We believe this is the best thing to do for our community,” she said.
“We look forward to holding a fantastic Art Red Hill later in the year for the show’s 40th birthday.
“We will announce a future date in due course, and will keep people updated online and via social media.”
Artists who have already submitted works for this year’s show can either leave their submissions with organisers for consideration in the show later in the year, or request a refund. Organisers will make an announcement when artist submissions reopen. Details: arhrhcs@gmail.com
Schools
WOODLEIGH’S senior and junior schools have ended their on-campus programs. Students will move to a Continuous Learning Plan and engage in remote and online learning programs from this week. Toorak College has also ceased its on-campus program and will begin its remote and online learning program this week. Peninsula Grammar students will begin online classes at home from Monday morning and following the usual school timetable.
Anzac Day
ALL Mornington Peninsula Anzac Day services have been cancelled.
Veterans’ affairs minister Darren Chester said Anzac Day was one of the most important days on the national calendar, but expert advice was that large public gatherings posed an unacceptable risk to the community.
“This decision has not been made lightly and has taken into consideration a number of key factors, primarily concerns about the welfare of Australians and other visitors travelling to Anzac Day services as well as views of host nations regarding visitors and large gatherings, the impact on health systems of overseas nations, and the welfare of staff and contractors travelling overseas,” Mr Chester said.
Call the coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 for further information.
Sport
Football, netball, cricket, and soccer are all off until further notice.
Dromana Football and Netball Club has cancelled training and practice matches for all its teams. Secretary Graham Stelling said the aim was to protect players, coaches, volunteers and their families as well as the wider community.
Racing
MORNINGTON Cup Day on Saturday 21 March will be run without spectators, owners and those non-essential to the operation of a race day. General admission pre-purchased ticket holders will receive a full refund. Public attendance at track work and jumps at Melbourne Racing Club venues is also closed.
The Peninsula Picnic festival at Mornington Racecourse, Saturday 28 March, has been postponed.
