As most people would have expected there are more cancellations and postponements to local events over night and this morning.

The annual Gemfest event on at the Lismore Showgrounds has been cancelled for 2020.

This is a shame for for organisers as Gemfest was celebrating its 30th year.

In a statement on their facebook page, Gemfest said the following;

"Due to increased public concern, to protect the health of stakeholders and visitors, and in response to the Prime Minister and COAG’s direction that all organised mass gathering over 500 people to be cancelled, 

The Lismore Gemfest is cancelled. 

It is distressing and disappointing to cancel Lismore Gemfest 2020. There are many people who will be very upset by this decision, and this is the first time the Lismore Gemfest has been cancelled.

The safety and well-being of our patrons and visitors is paramount and out of precaution, and in consultation with NSW Health, The Lismore Gem & Lapiday Club Inc. has decided this is the best course of action. 

We appreciate that the cancellation of the Lismore Gemfest is a huge disappointment for our Gem community, particularly exhibitors and visitors from rural and regional NSW who love attending the Show to catch up with friends each year. 

To our trader's please bare with us as we sort out refunds.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as our team works through the logistics and issues that come with cancelling an event of this scale.

Our wonderful sponsor Thank You for you support and hope the support continues

We hope everyone will join us at Lismore Gemfest 15th & 16th 2021".

Educating Rita was to be the first stage production of the new season for the Rochdale Theatre starting in three days time, have postponed the season to date to be advised.

Publicity Officer Jenny Dowell said "As you can imagine, we are very disappointed but we believe we must listen to advice from medical professionals, care about others and limit everyone’s exposure to potential risk. 

We assure audiences that Educating Rita will still be our first show of 2020- it will just be a little later than we’d planned. We will announce new dates as soon as possible.

We appreciate the ongoing support we receive from our community and look forward to your continued patronage in safer times".

Last night promoter David Lander of the Lismore Speedway suspended all future events until further notice. David told the Lismore App "I would hope to conduct the remaining meetings after March for our season, but right now there is no guarantee that will happen". Coronavirus sees Lismore Speedway racing suspended indefinitely

Meeting this week to confirm postponements or cancellations is Relay For Life and the iconic Lismore Lantern Parade.

The Lismore App has a Coronavirus button which gives you direct and easy access to the NSW Health website as well as a list of postponed or cancelled events Coronavirus.