NEWCASTLE Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) has had to move St Paul's Catholic College Booragul's formal to next year, because too many of its staff are isolating after being exposed to COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NEX duty manager Conan Cooper said on Monday the venue had to postpone the formal, which was scheduled for Tuesday.
"We're short on staff at the moment, there's too many off, so we had to cancel tomorrow [Tuesday]," Mr Cooper said.
"It's because of the close contact [risk], they'll be tested and will isolate."
Mr Cooper said at the time he wasn't aware of the venue having to make changes to any other formals.
He said it was an unfortunate situation.
"We're trying our best over here, unfortunately these things happen," he said. "Hopefully it all works out for the best and then we can get functions back in as soon as possible."
Outgoing St Paul's student Kian Livingstone said his cohort had been " a bit disappointed", but NEX and the school had "handled it quite well".
He said the formal had been rescheduled to February 4 within four hours of its postponement.
"It is what it is, it's the soonest date they could get."
He said his peers were now scrambling to reschedule hair and beauty appointments.
"I think we've got pretty good at thinking on our feet and adjusting to new situations over the last few years, I think we'll be able to take this one in our stride and push through it again."