Hi everyone,
As everyone will now be aware, the 61st National Square Dance Convention has been cancelled. This decision has not been taken lightly and has had much discussion within the Convention Committee. This decision has been taken with the safety and welfare of all dancers in mind. Their is a natural follow-on effect for our Conference.
Yesterday we also heard of the placement of a quarantine period on all entrants into Australia. This has a distinct impact on the ACF Callers Conference scheduled for next month.
Randy Dougherty and Arden Hopkin would not be able to be at the Conference due to the above restriction. We would also lose attendees from Japan, United Kingdom and Germany.
To add to the overall problems faced, we also have a large number of attendees who are flying in from various parts of the country, and may be reluctant to travel. Many conference attendees are doing so as part of a total package of both convention and conference. Without the convention, some have notified that they would be unable to attend the conference as a stand-alone entity. I think everyone can understand that these issues leave us in a position where your committee feels that it is in the best interests of all involved to cancel the Conference for 2020 at Leura.
We will be in contact with everyone within a short time regarding refunds for the conference, dinner party and Randy dance, and how it will work as well as other general information. Please have patience with us in this time of unprecedented trials. We all appreciate everyone's understanding of our position in such an unprecedented situation.
Best wishes to all
Barry