The City of Sydney and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have cancelled this Sunday’s Fair Day due to bonded asbestos found in mulch at Victoria Park.
This comes despite event organisers believing they could run the event safely as late as 5pm on Tuesday.
A source close to the event told GSN at on Tuesday evening that Fair Day would go ahead with safety precautions in place, such as fencing and mesh, around affected areas.
A spokesperson for Mardi Gras publicly also assured Sydney newspaper City Hub on Tuesday that “We’re progressing as normal”.
The now-cancelled plan to go ahead with the event was confirmed again in a statement to the Mardi Gras Instagram account on Wednesday morning, where it said it had been working with the City of Sydney to co-ordinate clean-up of the asbestos “while bumping in Fair Day infrastructure in time to hold the event”.
But the decision to go ahead with the event has now been reversed.
“Following a more detailed investigation into the safety concerns at Victoria Park, it has become clear to the City and Sydney Mardi Gras that an event of the scale of Fair Day is unable to proceed this Sunday,” the City of Sydney said in a statement issued at 7am on Wednesday.
The event, which is estimated to attract more than 70,000 people, was due to feature performances from the likes of Paul Capsis, Royston Noell and DJ Nate.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover more said cancelling the event “was an incredibly disappointing decision, as Fair Day is a pivotal part of the Mardi Gras calendar”.
“But we have to put the safety of our community first,” she said.
Moore said Wednesday’s decision underscored how serious the issue is.
“The NSW Government and the Environment Protection Authority must make sure this never happens again.”
Mardi Gras chief executive officer Gil Beckwith said Fair Day was one of the most beloved events on the calendar.
“It breaks our heart to see this Sunday not go ahead, but given the safety concerns we must put our communities’ wellbeing first,” she said.
Beckwith said the Mardi Gras festival was still bursting with events, including Oxtravanganza, a free community event showcasing local businesses.
“This cancellation is a setback,” Beckwith said. “However, it presents us with an opportunity to unite and support one another more strongly.
“The rest of our festival continues unchanged, offering many chances over the 17 days for our communities to come together in celebration and solidarity.”
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials for strength, fire resistance and insulation before it was found to be a cancer and lung disease hazard.
Manufacturing of all asbestos cement products ceased in 1987.
While bonded asbestos is a less hazardous form of asbestos, it is still potentially toxic.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
