The New Year's Eve fireworks display will not not go ahead on Tuesday amid predictions of high temperatures and possible storms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sponsor of the event, Peter McCormack from McCormack Barber Real Estate announced on Sunday the decision had been made due to safety concerns.
"It is with much disappointment I have decided to cancel the fireworks for New Year's Eve," he said.
Safety comes first. As much as I love fireworks. They are just fireworks
- Peter McCormack
"The conditions for the 31st are looking extremely dangerous and I have decided that it would be in the community's best interest for us not to go ahead with the fireworks display."
The forecast for Tuesday was a high of 35 °, with a possible storm and a possible dust haze.
Mr McCormack said as the soul sponsor of the $20,000 spectacular the decision was an important one for him to make.
"Safety comes first. As much as I love fireworks. They are just fireworks," he said.
"We don't need the RFS [Rural Fire Service] stretched any further than they already are."
Mr McCormack said the combination of drought conditions, low humidity and high temperatures meant the risk was too high.
"If we'd had a little bit of rain or it was a little bit cooler we might have considered it," he said.
Mr McCormack said at present there was no plans to hold another fireworks event in the future.
He said he would pay a cancellation fee to the fireworks company and was currently in negotiation of what money would be recouped.
Mr McCormack said the NYE event will still go ahead with live music, jumping castles and food stalls.
The real estate agent also promised to match any money raised from gold coin donations up to $5000 for drought relief.
"I would encourage as many people to come down even just for an hour or two, as a show of solidarity for our farmers," Mr McCormack said.
"I'm hoping people can come and relax and have an easy night celebrating bringing in the new year."
The McCormack Barber NYE Party Under the Stars will kick off at 6pm at Waratahs Sportsground.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...