THE COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another of the region's annual events, this time in the form of the Great Nundle Dog Race.
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Traditionally held in May, this year's event was initially postponed until October due to the coronavirus outbreak.
However, organisers recently made the tough call to cancel this year's event and instead focus on ensuring the race went ahead in 2021.
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Nundle Public School P&C member Megan Trouesdale said the decision to call off this year's event wasn't made lightly.
"We will be aiming to host the event on its traditional date, which is the first Sunday in May, so next year that will be May 2.
"It is a shame but we had to really look at the health advice we were given and when we had the meeting, I think it was about 11 weeks out from the proposed October 25 event, and we just had to make a decision.
"The advice was that outdoor public gatherings were still limited to only 20 people and with that in place we just couldn't go ahead."
Ms Trousedale said the event was one of the most highly-anticipated days on the Nundle community's calendar.
"I know from speaking to people who are enthusiastic volunteers that the postponement of this event has been a big blow for them," she said.
"Volunteering is a big part of their lives, something they get a lot of satisfaction out of and something that is social contact.
"It is disappointing for those volunteers because it is the loss of an outlet they'd normally have access to."
The annual event attracts visitors from across the region and is a major contributor to the Nundle economy.
"To be honest, since the restrictions on regional travel were lifted, tourism has been at record levels," Ms Trousedale said.
"Financially, the businesses won't miss it so much because there has been that boost in regional tourism numbers, but they will certainly be looking forward to having it back next year.
"Overall, the feedback we have received on social media has been that people are sad the event's not going ahead this year, but everyone is totally understanding of the situation and look forward to it being back next year."
