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The AWARD Awards gala dinner cancelled due to coronavirus, with all other AWARD Creative Festival events to be rescheduled

The AWARD Awards gala dinner, set to take place on 27 March, has been cancelled as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), and in light of government advice to limit mass gatherings.

AWARD chair, Cam Blackley, said the decision was “gutting”, but the best course of action to take.

The AWARD Awards gala dinner has been cancelled, however winners will still be announced on March 27

“When we weighed up an award show versus the health and safety of our creative community and their families there was only one winner, one course of action to take. AWARD is not alone in taking pre-emptive measures,” Blackley said.

“While this was a gutting decision to have to make in light of the new format, events and speakers we had lined up, we will reschedule the AWARD 40th Cocktail Party and other festival events whenever this becomes possible.”

The judging for the AWARD Awards will go ahead on 25 and 26 March, but means to facilitate the judging via virtual conferencing is currently in development.

The winners of the AWARD Awards will still be announced on 27 March.

Blackley stated: “The quality of the Award entries this year is impressive and will still get the attention it deserves from world-class judges.

“We are working with all our stakeholders to determine the best way to ensure this will happen, and we will announce further details later this week.”

Tickets to the gala dinner will be refunded.

Meanwhile, the AWARD 40th Cocktail Party, planned for 25 March at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the rest of the AWARD Creative Festival events will be rescheduled.

Blackley said it was the organisation’s primary responsibility to act on the Government advice.

“As you are all aware, the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly and it is important that we take the advice of Australian and State Government authorities,” Blackley said.

“Our primary responsibility is to maintain the health and well-being of the AWARD community, specifically, our members, staff, and event attendees.”

AWARD School will proceed as scheduled, with contingency plans being developed for the safety of the students and staff involved. Details will be announced later this week.

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