Tamworth Regional Council: Australia Day 2021 celebrations still a possibility as council votes not to rule out event

After the cancellation of Tamworth's biggest event, the country music festival, January 26, 2021 will be "unlike any other Australia Day that Tamworth Regional Council has experienced" a report to the council said.

But, at the last minute it was decided not to remove the opportunity for an event with funding possibly available from the NSW government to host one.

TRC general manager Paul Bennett said there is possibly $20,000 up for grabs.

"Councillors in relation to this report the executive team met this morning and we were made aware of some funding that's been made available by the NSW government relating to events and we've got the opportunity to potentially be granted $20,000 to hold an event," he said.

"Obviously if any event was to be held it would have to be COVIDSafe.

We have to be able to demonstrate that would be the case but we don't think we should eliminate the option for us to investigate that at this point and maybe put something on for the community on Australia Day in a safe way should that eventuate."

Read also:

Councillor Charles Impey suggested having last year's winners announce the Australia Day awards.

"This is something on the run, I did think of it before but in the report it mentions councillors will announce the winners of the awards," he said.

Mayor Col Murray said it was likely any Australia Day event would be held online but the different hosts is an option that could be considered.