THE city's annual fundraising corporate duck race is trying to keep its head above water with no end in sight to a flood of COVID restrictions.
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What the Rotary Club of Bathurst planned to be the fifth running of the event is now up in the air, but no final decisions will be made.
"I'm waiting until September 10 [when the regional NSW lockdown is due to end] to just see what happens after that, but it's not looking particularly promising at this point in time," duck race co-ordinator Steve Semmens said.
"I'm not sure how we're going to do it yet ... I'll have to talk to the Rotarians and see what alternatives they've got in mind."
IN OTHER NEWS:
If lockdown orders are lifted and the race can go ahead, 2BS will film and commentate the event for those not at the river.
Mr Semmens said it is likely that even if restrictions are eased, the race will be hosted with minimal people.
"If it was to go ahead then it would just be a skeleton crew, I'd imagine; you've just got to play it by ear," he said.
Considering the tough economic year many have faced, Mr Semmens said he is thankful to every business that has purchased a duck.
The most ducks purchased in previous years was 35. This year, Bathurst has rallied and 42 ducks have already been sold.
"I'm just absolutely astounded and grateful for the support we're getting," Mr Semmens said.
"We actually ordered some extra ones so we thought we'd aim for 50 and I think we'll sell them ... but people are doing it pretty tough at the moment, so I'm not really pushing at all."
The duck race is scheduled for September 26.
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Amy Rees
Journalist at the Western Advocate in Bathurst since May, 2021.
Journalist at the Western Advocate in Bathurst since May, 2021.
