Mayor calls for calm as Coronavirus details unfold

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Cr Graeme Scheu has called for calm following Friday’s announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to advise against events of 500 participants or more from Monday 16 March. “Just at the moment, I simply cannot answer all the questions being thrown up as there is no current end date for this recommendation, but honestly, I cannot see it being in the near future” Mayor Scheu explained.

“What will happen with the Picnic Races, what will happen with Anzac Day services, what will happen with local footy, what will happen with Easter on the Macintyre and Inglewood trail ride, what will happen with the Goondiwindi Show, are all questions being bandied about today. The fact is, this announcement only came about yesterday (Friday, 13 March) and our council area has a number of quality sporting and social groups, mostly run by volunteers, and they need time to meet and discuss, as well as liaise with their peak bodies where applicable.  Right now, there is no immediate answer,” Cr Scheu explained.

Council will continue to provide assistance and direction to our volunteer community groups as required.

“It is pretty obvious that this is likely to be long journey and we can only be guided by any advice provided by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. I appreciate there are many opinions on this matter, but the community must be guided by those that have access to more information than what is in the press and social media.”

“All I ask is that the public give the organising groups some breathing space as they all explore their individual situations.  The one thing I am sure of is that the communities of the Goondiwindi Regional Council area will make the right decision for their own situations.

Announcements will be made as decisions are finalised, or updates available.