The decisions come after severe weather conditions caused Dubbo’s community celebrations to be cancelled on 31 December 2018.

The volunteer-run event at Apex Oval normally sees crowds of up to 8000 people, but the decision was made to cancel the event to ensure safety of people and property.

Dubbo Fireworks says that a lack of resources, including funds and new committee members are behind the decision not to reschedule. Creditors will be paid with remaining funds being distributed amongst organisations benefitting the Dubbo community including the Volunteer Rescue Association and Rural Fire Service. 

The small committee, after five years, is also dissolving, with no plans to hold an event in 2019. Nobody had volunteered to lead the event after several attempts to find a successor to current committee Chairman Peter Judd.

The team of five had hoped to see their final event out with a bang, and are disappointed to have put in days of work and not had the reward of a great fireworks show.

“It’s the look on the children’s faces when they see the sky light up that makes it all worthwhile,” committee member Lee Judd said. 

Bringing together almost 120 volunteers on the day of the event each year, the event drew in thousands of attendees from Dubbo and elsewhere. Visitors to Dubbo attending the event resulting in a quarter of a million dollar boost to the Dubbo region economy each New Year’s Eve.

The team of five raised over $30,000 over the five years for community organisations including the Volunteer Rescue Association, Rural Fire Service, Dubbo Rotary Club, ORISCON, Dubbo Girl Guides, Wellington Scouts and Macquarie Homestay.

Chairman Peter Judd is proud of what the volunteer committee has achieved since its inception in 2013.

“Dubbo was missing a community New Year’s Eve event – we had to travel hundreds of kilometres to celebrate with a good fireworks show.”

“I wanted Dubbo to have something that they could be proud of. We can do what other major centres can do. And do it better!” said Mr Judd.

After establishing Dubbo Fireworks in 2013, the team held their first event on New Year’s Eve 2014.

Dubbo Fireworks are grateful to all sponsors over the years, especially Major Sponsors Roger and Gail Fletcher. The team also wishes to thank everyone who attended the events held at Apex Oval.

Dubbo Fireworks team leaders Peter Judd and Lee Judd were recognised for their efforts in bringing together this annual community event in the 2017 Dubbo Day Awards.

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