By Melissa Grant
Cardinia libraries have been closed and popular events – including the Pakenham Show – have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Some sporting competitions have also been canned and ANZAC services are no longer going ahead.
The federal government has banned non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of over 500 people.
The limits have been put in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect vulnerable people, including the sick and elderly.
Libraries in Cardinia, including the Pakenham, Emerald and mobile libraries, closed their doors on Thursday 19 March until further notice.
Competitions at Cardinia Life and Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre have also been cancelled.
However, the Cardinia Shire Council’s customer service centre at 20 Siding Avenue, Officer, remains open and council meetings are going ahead.
A large number of council and community events have been either called off or postponed.
These events include:
- Citizenship ceremony at Cardinia Cultural Centre (was to be held 19 March and is expected to be rescheduled)
- Walk against racism (19-21 March)
- Pakenham Show (Saturday 21 March)
- Weed control workshop (Saturday 21 March)
- Bunyip Show (Sunday 22 March)
- Breakthrough ice education event (Tuesday 24 March)
- Emerald Funfest and PAVE (Sunday 29 March)
- Easter in the Park (Cardinia Lakes Residents Group event on Saturday 29 March)
- Rotary Pakenham Dance (Saturday 4 April)
- A Taste of Gembrook (Saturday 18 April)
- Yakkerboo Festival (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April)
- ANZAC Day services – The federal government has advised ANZAC Day services should be cancelled to the large number of older Australian who attend them.
- Puffing Billy Running Festival (Sunday 3 May)
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