Eaglehawk's Dahlia and Arts Festival has been forced to cancel their coming event in wake of health warnings about the coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event was due to take place between March 20 and 24.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised on Friday afternoon that all non-essential mass gatherings of more than 500 people should not go ahead from Monday.
Read more:
Dahlia and Arts Festival President David Richards said it was too risky for all the volunteers and visitors.
Mr Richards said the event normally attracted 2000-3000 people to its parade alone.
He said the festival had thought until Friday lunch time that they would be able to run.
"It's unfortunate because we had a fantastic festival teed up," Mr Richards said.
"We were going to have a really great time. That's the way it goes, we learn something every next year. Who knows we might use that theme again.
"We were looking forward to next weekend. But now we'll have to look forward to our 50th [in 2021]."
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.