By Laura Michell
Whittlesea council has cancelled its Australia Day fireworks as a mark of respect for communities affected by bushfire.
The council announced this morning that it would not be going ahead with the Sunday’s planned fireworks display.
Other councils, including Wyndham and the City of Melbourne, last week announced they had pulled the plug on their January 26 fireworks displays.
The Chinese Precinct Chamber of Commerce has also called for firecrackers not to be released during upcoming Chinese New year celebrations.
Whittlesea council acting chief executive Kelvin Spiller said the council had been constantly reviewing its planned celebrations for Australia Day.
‘With consideration to the recent and ongoing bushfires, community feedback and emergency services staff who have been extremely stretched defending our communities, this is not the year for us to celebrate with fireworks,” he said.
“Our Australia Day event will still go ahead with music, dancing and recognition of our Australia Day award recipients.”
Whittlesea’s Australia Day celebration will be held at the civic centre’s terrace lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang fro 6pm on Sunday.
