The cancellation of the Royal Melbourne Show, for the second year running, is a savage blow to the fabric of Victoria.
Sadly, the organisers simply didn’t have the confidence to progress with plans and pulled the pin almost eight weeks in advance.
Organisers said they couldn’t plan a major event, particularly with large crowds.
Dan has no plan to get major events back up and running. The Show simply didn’t have enough faith to plough on through the uncertainty.
What does that mean for footy fans this September?
The Show was to start on September 23, just two days before the AFL Grand Final. If the Show can’t go in September, clearly the AFL finals and the biggest game of all are at risk of being shunted interstate.
The Andrews Government must come up with a plan to lead us out of this, and get major events back on track.
Up until last year, the Show had been cancelled only twice – both times during wars. It has been running since 1848.
The Show brings the city and country together, and brings joy to parents and children. What a kick in the guts.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Sport, Cindy McLeish:
“This is not only an economic blow, but a real blow to our confidence. It’s devastating.
“It’s a tradition, it’s where city meets the country and communities get together. It evokes the type of spirit we need now more than ever.
“Dan has no plan to make sure we can get crowds back in time for September. The Show’s over, hopefully the footy finals don’t bite the dust as well.”
