Gunnedah is up the creek without a paddle this Australia Day.
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The ongoing drought means the annual raft and craft race cannot go ahead this year, with Gunnedah Shire Council calling off the popular event because of lack of water in the Namoi River where the race takes place.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s corporate and community services director Colin Formann said the council had been “looking at contingency plans” over the past few weeks “since it’s become clear that we might not have enough water”.
“As far as I’m aware, it’s the first time it hasn’t run because of lack of the water,” Mr Formann said.
“If by some miracle, we had a heap of rain and conditions were right, we’d run it [but] the way things look at the moment, it won’t go ahead and we’re making alternative arrangements.
“Because of the lack of water, we’ll probably be looking to move most of the activity to the pool area and the rugby park.
“We’ll make the best of a bad situation.”
The raft and craft race will be replaced by a land event being organised by Gunnedah’s John Hickey as part of Aussiefest at the Gunnedah Rugby Club.
“We’re calling on the people of Gunnedah not to let the drought beat them,” Mr Hickey said.
“We’ve got to keep the raft race going. We’ll make a way for families to get together, just without the water.”
Kids are encouraged to build a craft they can step into and race down the field.
Other events normally centred around the river such as the citizenship ceremony and church service will likely be moved to the grassy area near The Mackellar Centre.
Despite the shift this year, Mr Formann said “it looks like being one of the biggest Australia Day programs this year”.
Aussiefest has a packed-out schedule with the beer mile, touch football cups, dog races, working races and 100m Dash for Cash. The new pool complex will also be a big drawcard this year, with free entry, jumping castle and rides.
The Grand Elixxa will fundraise for the NSW Cancer Council, with pig races, an eating contest, live music and kids’ activities from 12pm.
“This is a huge day,” Mr Formann said.
“We’ve had some things that aren’t ideal with dry weather conditions but Gunnedah will give it’s best for Australia Day.”
