Scroll down for what’s on at Spring Into Corrimal
Extra security measures and the closure of Bulli Pass won’t hamper one of Wollongong’s primed annual family events, Spring Into Corrimal, according to the event organiser.
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Corrimal Chamber of Commerce president Paul Boultwood still expects more than 60,000 people to visit the northern Illawarra suburb on September 10 for their annual community fair.
However he admits preparation has been a hard task.
“As far as [Thursday] we were told by police we now need water filled barriers and trucks and semi-trailers [to block off vantage points],” he said.
“Every day there’s something else we have to do and it’s killing us with money because we only get our money from our sponsors.”
He said in the 36-year history of the event there had been no major incidents, but due to increased terror attacks by vehicle in Australia and around the globe they’ve had to spend enormous amounts on security.
To save money the chamber has partnered with Illawarra Convoy so they can borrow trucks to block off either end of the Princes Highway, while Wollongong City Council has also added more money to the cause to help with rising costs.
Meantime the Dapto Street Fair, on Sunday September 3, will also close part of the Princes Highway but has not been required to increase their security measures.
Dapto Chamber president Ian Fitzgibbon said that was due to their main vantage points already being blocked by their main stage at one end and amusement rides at the other.
“It’s not as if you can drive in anywhere, there’s one point you’ve got to come in – and that’s where the emergency vehicles come in, the police, the fire and rural fire service … and you can’t go past them anyway,” Mr Fitzgibbon.
Ultimately, the advice from police involves balancing the management of risk against the need for the public to enjoy access to public spaces.
- NSW Police
NSW Police said with all community events they work with a variety of government bodies, owners and operators to provide advice on security measures.
“A significant amount of work has been undertaken around vehicle mitigation strategies, including studies of world's best practice, which have been shared with all the relevant partners,” they said in a statement.
“Ultimately, the advice from police involves balancing the management of risk against the need for the public to enjoy access to public spaces.”
While Mr Boultwood was annoyed about added hurdles to this year’s event he maintains “Corrimal is a great place to be”.
“We just want people to come out in force and have a great time,” he said.
“We want people not only to see what Corrimal has, but what the Illawarra has to offer.”
WHAT’S ON AT SPRING INTO CORRIMAL:
- Catch all the action from 9am to 4pm across the Princes Highway in Corrimal and surrounds
- Grand Parade starts at 10am with 900 people involved
- Wollongong Council’s Car Boot Sale
- Dunking machine – enjoy dunking Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, Paul Boultwood and other local personalities for charity
- Amusement rides
- Entertainment on the main stage
- International food arena in memorial Park
- Community stage in Russell Street plus Children’s Stage in Railway Street
- Obey Wan Jedi School
- Ability Artists exhibition in the Underwood Centre
- Community Hub with various local organisations