Important Information for 2021
After much consideration, the IMB Bank Cook Community Classic Steering Committee, together with event Patron, Prime Minister and Member for Cook, Scott Morrison, have been forced to make the difficult decision to cancel the Classic Carnival for 2021.
Previously planned for Sunday 21 November, the event was moved to December 12 in order to comply with the NSW Government’s Public Health (Covid-19 General) Order 2021.
The decision of the NSW Government to extend this order from December 1 to December 15 (or when the state reaches the 95% vaccination milestone) meant the requirements for the Carnival and a COVID Safe Plan could not be met.
Whilst this is a great disappointment to all involved, and particularly the community groups and charities who benefit from this event each year, the Committee is looking forward to a big event in 2022.
Attracting upwards of 5,000 people throughout the day, the Classic Carnival is an annual community event held each year in November at Cronulla Beach and Park comprising of a community swimming race, four-way surf club relay and beach football on the sand with the community fete in the adjoining park.
Prime Minister and Member for Cook Scott Morrison said whilst this was disappointing for the local community, 2022 would bring bigger and better things.
“Next year, we’re going to make up for lost time in Cook – our vaccination rates are world-leading, our economy is strong and our fatality rate has been low – that’s all thanks to locals rolling up their sleeves and complying with the public health orders that have been needed,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Committee explored a range of ideas to keep the event going this year but our number one focus is keeping our community safe.
“I have no doubt that, as always, the Cook community will come together to support one another and to support the businesses and organisations that are the biggest beneficiaries of the Cook Classic and Carnival each year.”
IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan agreed that community safety is the priority and reaffirmed IMB Bank’s sponsorship for the Classic going into 2022. “We support the Steering Committee’s decision to cancel the 2021 event, and encourage the community to embrace the Cook Community Classic and support their local community groups as they continue their fundraising drive, despite the cancellation of the Carnival,” said Mr Ryan. “The not-for-profit sector has been especially challenged over the last two years. Standing together as a community has never been more important and IMB Bank remains committed to the Classic and to the Shire for 2022, which will also benefit from IMB Bank Community Foundation grants to be announced in December.”
The main fundraising element of the Classic has still gone ahead with community groups out and about now selling raffle tickets to raise money for their community organisations in a COVID-safe way. Keep an eye out at your local footy game, shopping centre or mall. Tickets are $2 each with some great prizes available.
The Classic Raffle will still be drawn on 12 December and further details regarding this will be published once details are finalised.
