Events cancelled as wind hits

GALE-force wind caused havoc for events planned across the Bellarine on Sunday, with organisers deciding to either reschedule or cancel them.

All events of Barwon Heads’ Festival of the Sea scheduled for Sunday were cancelled, including the popular duck race.

Festival president Suzanne Brown said the committee believed it was the right decision because public safety was the key priority.

“As it happened, on Sunday we had gale-force winds, rain, lightning, power outages, limbs falling off trees, and a severe fire warning,” she said.

“Cancelling was a good call, and our supporters and partners have been very understanding.

“We were not able to hold the duck race on the Barwon River, and so we will be doing a prize draw for the duck race this weekend.

“The plan is to have a small gathering in Hitchcock Parade Barwon Heads this Saturday, March 24, where there will be a duck draw and the 10 prize places will be determined.

“Winners of the duck race prizes will be announced on Facebook and on the website.

“We will contact prize winners directly to notify them of the result.”

The Bellarine Cup Preseason Tournament at Shell Road Reserve was also cancelled, which involved Drysdale Soccer Club, Surfside, Barwon Heads, Leopold, Bellarine Sharks and Surf Coast FC.

The John Butler Trio and special guests at Leura Park Estate was rescheduled to be held on April 7.

Zaccaria Concerts and Touring said all existing tickets for last Sunday’s performance would be valid for that performance, but should people not be able to attend on the April 7, refunds would be available.

Meanwhile, the outdoor concert at Geelong Racecourse, to be headlined by Australian music icon John Farnham with special guests Daryl Braithwaite, The Black Sorrows, Richard Clapton, and Taxiride was cancelled for the second time.

The event safety officer said: “The safety of patrons and event staff must always be our greatest priority, and it is with this in mind that this difficult decision has been made.”