A $10,000 donation will go to bushfire-ravaged communities following the cancellation of Geelong’s traditional Australia Day fireworks, Royal Geelong Yacht Club has announced.
Festival of Sails chairman Stuart Dickson on Wednesday announced the club would establish an appeal for bushfire victims.
“We think this year the bushfire victims should be the focus of our attention on Australia Day,” he said.
“So we’re delighted to launch this new fundraising campaign as an initiative of the Festival of Sails.”
The announcement comes after the club decided to cancel Sunday’s fireworks out of respect for tens of thousands of victims and firefighters across Australia.
All funds raised would go to the Salvation Army National Bushfire Appeal to help families and communities impacted by the fires, Mr Dickson said.
A ‘water-ski light show spectacular’ would replace the fireworks, he announced.
The $10,000 donation came from the savings of cancelling the fireworks, with the remainder of that money paying for the alternative entertainment and a cancellation fee, Mr Dickson said.
He was unable to specify other amounts as they were commercial-in-confidence, he said.
Australia Day festivities begin 11am at Rippleside Park with giant slides, jumping castles, rides, emergency displays and dozens of other free family activities.
The day features the talents of military re-enactors, Dazzling Dan the Magic Man, Scottish dancers, face-painters, stilt walkers and Geelong identity Dame Edna Average.
The event also includes a flag-raising ceremony at 1pm, and live music and entertainment onstage throughout the day.
Visit festivalofsail.com.au for information on how to donate to the festival’s bushfire appeal.
