A number of Launceston events have either been cancelled or postponed due to the increasing prominence of coronavirus in Australia.
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The cancellations come after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that non-essential mass gatherings over 500 people would be banned from Monday, March 16.
The Cancer Council of Tasmania announced that it would be cancelling the 2020 Relay For Life and related events.
Chief executive Penny Egan said the decision was made on the advice of Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy.
"Nothing is more important to us that the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and supporters," she said,
StGiles has anticipated to lose $25,000 in fundraising after it announced cancellations and suspensions for key charity events.
In other news:
The children's disability fundraiser the Balfour Burn, scheduled for March 20, has been cancelled.
April 4's Easter Niche Market has also been canned.
The Harmony Day-themed Niche Market has been postponed until October 24.
StGiles general manager of profile and engagement Danielle Blewett said Easter Niche annually attracted about 5000 people.
Mrs Blewett said about $25,000 was anticipated to be raised from the market and Balfour Burn combined on their respective days.
"With our Balfour Burn registrations and 100 volunteers - we have no choice, as a trusted health provider to vulnerable Tasmanians, than to suspend the Balfour Burn until March 21 2021," she said.
"The cancellations will have devastating ramifications for our fundraising efforts."
"We have offered all Balfour Burn registrants refunds, or to roll-over. However, we were expecting another 500 registrations on the day - $10,000."
Harmony Day events in Launceston have traditionally attracted about 2000 people, event organisers anticipated attendance would have doubled in the partnership with Niche.
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra also announced it will be suspending all upcoming public performances until further notice.
TSO chief executive Caroline Sharpen said while the news was heartbreaking, the orchestra decided to follow the advice of medical authorities.
"We are monitoring the situation and will be back as soon as possible as it is safe for Tasmanian audiences," she said.
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