Event organisers of a key event in Yarriambiack Shire say an extra year of planning will enable committee members to deliver an even ‘bigger and better’ 2021. 

Attracting thousands of visitors posed too much risk for event organisers to run Murtoa’s Big Weekend and Murtoa Show in early October. 

Organiser Natasha Pietsch said committee members debated the viability of running a virtual event, but decided all efforts would instead be directed into making a better 2021. 

“We didn’t have a crystal ball to predict what October would look like,” she said.

“And to actually experience our event in person is such a highlight, so we thought we’d leave it for real life. Our motto for this year is ‘looking forward to next year’, so that’s all we can do – keep positive and keep pulling out some great ideas.

“It’s given us a good opportunity to brainstorm and see what we could pull together for 2021. We’ll start putting together new ideas a lot earlier than what would be the norm.” 

Ms Pietsch said it was a loss to miss out on an event that made a significant contribution to the economy. 

“Economically it’s great for the community and local businesses,” she said.

“There’s so many different committee groups the local township pulls together, all working as a unit to drive an amazing three-day weekend.

“The event committees understand it is only natural to grieve for an event which has been delivered uninterrupted for more than 20 years, along with the need to respect lifestyle normality, of which will be a long and ongoing process with the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

Next year will mark the 25th year the three-day event began, and Murtoa Show will celebrate its 136th year.

Entries will remain open for a Virtual Gallery Community Collection as part of the weekend. 

This collection will be launched at next year’s event. People can visit www.murtoabigweekend.com.au/get-involved for further details.

– Dylan De Jong

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