Following the announcement of the Macleay Valley Bushfire Parade and Concert cancellation due to the potential spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), members of the community were understandably disappointed, but none more so than our hard-working firefighters.
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The decision was made by council to cancel the parade and concert after social gatherings of more than 500 people were banned.
RFS Lower North Coast Superintendent Lachlann Ison addressed councillors at the March council meeting on Tuesday.
"Our fire season was unprecedented. We lost over 60 homes and outbuildings and sadly, one life. November 8 was a very tough day," he said.
"This time last year we were already fighting fires."
Supt Ison also mentioned his disappointment at the cancellation of the bushfire parade and concert but said the decision is "understandable".
"The volunteers have had a tough time and the cancellation of the parade and concert is disappointing but understandable," he said.
"The parade was a good thing for our firefighters to look forward to."
Mayor Liz Campbell took the time during the meeting to thank local firefighters for their hard work.
"Thank you for everything you've done to keep the community safe," she said.
"The parade has been postponed, we are looking at holding it at a later date to say thank you."
Supt Ison also highlighted the fact that although the Macleay has experienced rain recently, there are still a number of areas in the region that haven't been burnt.
"About 40 per cent of the Kemspey Local Government Area sustained fire. So there's still a number of populated areas that are susceptible," he said.
"We have areas we're keeping our eyes on, but at this stage we're are still in the recovery phase form the bushfire season."
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