She said the committee worked closely with councils, Victorian Athletic League and the government to develop the plan. “Everyone is really passionate about making the Stawell Gift the best event it can be,” she said.
“Our focus is on providing the safest, most compliant event we can. It really means a lot to all of us to be able to run this event this year.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming fans to Central Park to take in the incredible atmosphere, action and history that is the Powercor Stawell Gift.”
Ms Spence said organisers were committed to the safety and wellbeing of spectators, athletes, volunteers and the event workforce and would implement COVID-safe measures throughout the carnival.
This includes creating two ticketed spectator zones, with spectators to remain in their zone for the duration of each session; reinforced enhanced hygiene practices; contact tracing; frequent high-touch surface cleaning; and the use of digital tickets.
The Stawell Gift injects millions of dollars into the western Victorian economy each year and is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Northern Grampians Shire’s events calendar.
Until 2020, the gift had been run in all bar four years since 1878.
Last year, Stawell Athletic Club decided in mid-March to postpone the carnival because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic continued to unfold, the decision was taken out of the club’s hands thanks to government-imposed restrictions on events.
Yesterday, Northern Grampians mayor Murray Emerson was among community leaders to welcome the government’s approval of 5000 spectators a day amid challenging times for event organisers. He said he looked forward to the positive effect spectators would have on the municipality and wider region.
“It will be fantastic to welcome back to our region the visitors, spectators, and participants in this momentous event,” he said.
“Our region felt sharply the loss of the gift last year, so we are thrilled to have it back in 2021.
“With the safety of all involved at the top of our list and taken careful care of by event organisers, I believe the return of the gift this year will be great for the northern Grampians and great for sport in Australia.”
Finals of the Powercor Stawell Gift and Change our Game Women’s Gift will be run on Easter Monday and broadcast live on Seven from noon.
Ms Spence, who is also Victorian Athletic League president, said athletes were thrilled to be able to compete again.
“We’ve had some smaller tier-two and tier-three events already and we’ve seen some great running across all distances and categories,” she said.
“I’ve had lots of positive feedback from athletes at events in the lead-in to Stawell.
“You can train as much as you like but to be able to race – that’s why they do it. They are really happy and thankful to be competing again.”
In line with the event’s COVID-safe plan, all tickets for the Stawell Gift must be purchased electronically.
Tickets will go on sale online at premier.ticketek.com.au by March 12.
People can visit www.stawellgift.com for more information about the Easter carnival, along with an extensive list of answers to ‘frequently asked questions’.
The entire March 3, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
