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BENDIGO'S long-running January tradition of its annual Country Week cricket carnival has been cancelled for the first time since 1946.
The Bendigo District Cricket Association has made the decision to abandon the 2021 carnival due to COVID-19 implications.
The BDCA is hopeful that the carnival, first held in 1934, will be on hiatus for just one year and will return in 2022.
Among the concerns for the BDCA in preparing for a 2021 carnival was the increased workloads on its clubs to ensure its venues were COVID safe each day for competing teams.
"The board also recognises that some associations may not be able to attend Bendigo Country Week for one reason or another due to COVID-19 implications. This has also contributed to the board's decision," BDCA president Travis Harling said.
"The uncertainty about group travel and accommodation is an issue when expecting teams to come to Bendigo for the week. The uncertainty around the state government easing restrictions also makes it difficult to plan for the summer ahead and enable associations to make a commitment to attend Bendigo Country Week.
"The board recognises that the priority for clubs and associations should be their immediate community competitions, ensuring these programs are able to be a success this season."
The board recognises that the priority for clubs and associations should be their immediate community competitions, ensuring these programs are able to be a success this season
- Travis Harling - BDCA president
The cancellation of January's Bendigo Country Week comes after Mildura's annual Willowfest carnival in December was also called off.
Cricket Victoria's Youth Premier League has also been abandoned for this season, while there is uncertainty around February's annual Melbourne Country Week carnival going ahead.
Bendigo's Country Week carnival brings a couple of hundred cricketers to town each January, providing an economic boost, particularly for accommodation venues, restaurants and pubs.
Since its inception in 1934 when Northern United was the inaugural premier, the only previous time Bendigo Country Week hasn't been held was when it was abandoned between 1941 and 1946 for World War 2.
"I think the best thing to be done is for everyone to concentrate on local cricket this season," Harling said.
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