The growing number of COVID-19 cases is impacting on many services and events state-wide, and we are also feeling these impacts in Monash.

“With case numbers estimated to peak in coming weeks, in addition to staff shortages right across the organisation, Council has made the extremely difficult decision to cancel this year’s Australia Day event with the safety and well-being of our community a priority,” said Monash Mayor, Cr Stuart James.

“The community barbecue and entertainment program scheduled for 26 January across the Civic Centre and Glen Waverley Library has been cancelled, and the library will subsequently be closed for the public holiday. A Citizenship Ceremony also forms part of our Australia Day event.

“We know that this is a very special day for people who are set to become new citizens, and whilst it is disappointing we cannot hold a ceremony in person to properly celebrate such an important occasion, we will make arrangements to move the ceremony online. Around 50 candidates are due to receive their citizenship.

“We are incredibly disappointed that we won’t be able to come together to celebrate Australia Day for the second year in a row, but the health and safety of our community is paramount.

“We look forward to finally putting this pandemic behind us and to being able to properly celebrate Australia Day, in person, in 2023,” Cr James said.