The escalating situation of the COVID-19 outbreak has forced the Melanoma Institute Australia to cancel all Melanoma March activities, including Bathurst's, that were scheduled for this Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A statement was issued by the Melanoma Institute Australia last Friday, with the health and wellbeing of participants, many of whom are cancer patients, a key reason behind the cancellation.
While saddened the event is no longer going ahead, Bathurst Melanoma March organiser Veronica Manock said the right decision has been made.
"It is really disappointing to have the marches cancelled across Australia, not only for the organising committees, but the participants and the community involved," Ms Manock said.
"However it is completely understandable given the current health situation, and considering the number of participants with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, the decision, although difficult, is the safest one to make."
The Melanoma Institute Australia is set to offer full refunds to participants who had already registered, and will provide more information in the coming days.
In addition, the organisation is planning a series of virtual Melanoma March events on Sunday, March 29 for those still interested in showing their support for the cause.
Ms Manock said more information will be provided on Bathurst's plans for a virtual event in due course.
"I am still yet to get more information on what that [the virtual event] will look like, but I am more than positive that members of our community and people impacted by melanoma in the Bathurst area will be involved in this," she said.
For updates on the virtual event, visit the Bathurst Melanoma March event page on Facebook.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.