A drive-in event expecting 900 people to come through its Dubbo gates at the weekend has been "postponed to a later date" in the latest fallout from the coronavirus response.
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The Dubbo Westview Drive-In was left to weigh up its options after the Friday afternoon federal government announcement that from Monday all non-essential gatherings of 500 people should not proceed.
On Monday it confirmed it had made a decision about the March 21 event in which it reported it had invested thousands of dollars countless hours organising.
"It is with massive regret that we advise the Dubbo WestView Drive-in Outback Thunder screening of Running on Empty is to be postponed till a later date," a Dubbo Westview Drive-In spokesman said.
"Given the timing of the announcement we recognise that there will be much disappointment and upset to plans and bookings.
"We still don't have all the details on where we stand as of right now but with things seeming to escalate considerably by the minute along with serious consequences for people's health along with serious legal and financially ramifications for us as the organisers.
"We feel that delaying this announcement any further is negligent as many people have accommodation bookings, childcare arrangements, leave pending and so on that may be able to be cancelled. We do apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that is adversely or financially affected..."
The drive-in gave some indication of a way forward.
"We have been in contact with the film distributor and they have agreed to allow us to delay the screening of Running on Empty till another time when the event bans have been lifted," the spokesman said.
"We really hope that we have your full support in this decision and that you will come back and support us in the future."
The spokesman said if they were simply about the money, they would have different thoughts about how to proceed, but they saw themselves as "custodians of a very special space" where doing something less than thoroughly was not an option.
People were urged to take care of their health.
"We have been contacted by many people indicating that they still intend on coming to Dubbo for the weekend as planned," the spokesman said.
"If you do intend on coming to Dubbo please ensure you are of good health and take all relevant precautions to keep yourself and others safe."
Ticketholders would receive an email in coming days "offering a full refund of the ticket price or the option to hold your golden ticket for the screening when a future date is announced".
Those that wish to hold their tickets would be consulted on the future proposed dates, the spokesman said.
"I don't know about you all but I feel like a burned wood duck right now," he said.
"Thank you for your understanding and support in what has been a very difficult time."
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