A major event organiser is urging local or state governments to step in and assist volunteer-run committees navigate the "daunting" COVID-19 red tape surrounding events.
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While larger-scale events have been able to go ahead with strict COVID-19 rules since late 2020, many smaller events continue to be postponed or cancelled.
The latest such event to fall victim was Cumnock Show in NSW's Central West, with its committee telling the Central Western Daily last week that not having the resources to meet the NSW government's COVID regulations played a role.
Jade Evans of Ace Attractions - one of the amusement-ride businesses behind Orange Fun Fair also in NSW's Central West - said many volunteers were having difficulty with the new regulations for events.
In the short time she had been in Orange preparing for this weekend's fair, Mrs Evans said members from volunteer committees had sought her help with aspects of the NSW Government's COVID-19 Safety Plan.
"For a person who's never done it before it's an extremely overwhelming process and it'd be good if they could have someone.... [walk them through] different things like online ticketing and QR codes," Mrs Evans said.
"I'm happy to give them a hand but it shouldn't have to be that way... There should be a way that event organisers - especially non-for-profit event organisations - have some support via councils to put these events on."
"Before COVID, you didn't need online ticketing and that's one of the trickiest bits.
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The owner-operator of Ace Attractions suggested local councils, who are responsible for approving events in NSW, could provide assistance to volunteer-run committees to navigate the COVID-19 safety measures implemented by state governments
"Sometimes the paperwork to run a small event is quite excessive," she explained.
"[Council] could have someone in their office who's dedicated to helping small events... to guide them. This is a time when everyone needs to come together and help get these events get going again.
"People want to get out and have some fun now and you can do it in safe way," Mrs Evans added.
While a COVID-19 Safety Plan for an event needs to be approved by Orange City Council before it can go ahead, it is up to the NSW government to provide any necessary assistance to community groups, Council has said.
"The requirements for managing COVID-safe requirements for public events are set and managed by the State Government," a Council spokesperson said.
"When Orange City Council hires a venue, it requires the hirer to demonstrate they have a COVID-safe plan which measures up to the state government requirements. The Council gives a high priority to making sure COVID arrangements are in place as part of the effort to keeping our community safe.
"The Service NSW website and call centre provide an excellent resource for handling questions from community groups and businesses about how to comply with arrangements such as QR code check-ins and online booking systems.
"It would make no sense for Orange City Council to try to duplicate that assistance system," the spokesperson added.