There will be no fireworks at Merimbula's New Year's Eve event at Ford Park following discussions between Merimbula Tourism, the RFS and council.
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However the Rotary markets, food vendors, kids activities and family concert will go ahead and will be used as a fundraiser for the RFS and bushfire relief.
"Following a number of discussions with the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Bega Valley Shire Council, JAM Event Management, our pyrotechnician, and Rotary Merimbula; and considering the current NSW Bushfire Emergency, the drought and the state of the local area, Merimbula Tourism has decided to cancel the fireworks component of the NYE Spectacular Event at Ford Park Merimbula," tourism manager Chris Nicholls said.
"The decision has been based on the information given to us by the RFS and their inability to support such an event because of their current workload," Mr Nicholls explained.
Eden has also cancelled its fireworks display too with Essci service director Graham Grey saying "it is just too hazardous". Mr Gray said that given the current situation there were no guarantees that the Eden town brigade or RFS could be on site at the oval as required.
Mr Nicholls said that the decision to not have fireworks has left everyone very relieved.
"We have a huge number of visitors in the area and we need something and this will also support the RFS and those people on the end of the hoses. We'll have a party anyway and raise money for them," Mr Nicholls said.
"The Ford Park Rotary NYE markets will open their gates at 10am-4pm and then the gates will open for the family concert and activities at 5.30pm. There will be food vendors, jumping castle, and face painting for the kids," Mr Nicholls said.
"It will be a wonderful family music concert event from Chelsy Atkins and Rick Bloomfield and the students of the Merimbula School of Music.
"We feel this is the most appropriate activity we could offer given the terrible situation we are currently experiencing across our state.
"Merimbula Tourism will also collect community donations throughout the concert event, and provide the funds raised to the NSW Rural Fire Service Brigades and Donations Fund and for bushfire relief across the affected communities," Mr Nicholls added.
"As a community we could raise a very substantial donation - a great way we can help our amazing bushfire fighters and provide bushfire relief to the fire-damaged communities across the state. Let's get behind this as a community and all show how much the Bega Valley Shire and the visitors to our area, care about the bushfire crisis across the state and the volunteers supporting us."
In a social media post the Tathra Hotel has also announced it will not have its planned fireworks display.
"We have cancelled our fireworks show for New Year's Eve. The country is just too dry and hot and is not worth the risk, albeit quite small. Candelo based performers "Brothers on Fire" will be performing outside near the playground from 7pm and finishing with their fire show at 9.15pm," the hotel said in its post.
The Tura Beach Country Club has also cancelled its fireworks display but plans to have a New Year's Eve party at the club.