Fireworks on Australia Day won't be going ahead in the heart of Melbourne, because staff at a public agency are flat out dealing with the bushfire crisis.
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The Victorian government has cancelled the fireworks display it sponsors at Docklands because it is supported by staff at Parks Victoria who are busy with deadly bushfires in East Gippsland and the northeast.
Parks Victoria supports the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria, to prepare for, fight and recover from such blazes.
"While we understand that this decision may disappoint some families, the focus right now of Parks Victoria is, and has to be, on working with our other emergency services in the firefighting effort and the recovery of communities and wildlife," a government spokeswoman said on Friday.
Other Australia Day events and fireworks displays organised by local councils will continue as planned.
The impact of the fires on communities and the efforts of emergency service workers will be acknowledged during formal proceedings at some events.
Australian Associated Press
