By Michael Doran
Eastern Health has advised that the Closing The Gap day has been postponed due to the extreme weather conditions forecast for Sunday 3 March. The statement from Eastern Health is as follows:
“In line with Eastern Health’s extreme weather policy, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Closing the Gap Sports Day on Sunday 3 March. With the temperature forecast into the high 30’s, the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, participants and the community is paramount.
We have sought expert clinical advice regarding the implications of participating in physical activity during extreme heat. It is clear that there is real danger to physical wellbeing with exposure to extreme heat combined with strenuous physical activity.
The temperature, together with the high risk bushfire environment in which the event is scheduled has further led to this decision.
We are disappointed that we cannot hold the event this weekend, as it is a real highlight for our organisation and the local community.
All effort will be made to reschedule the event with the support of our event partners and Aboriginal community as we to continue our commitment to Closing the Health Gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians.”
Shannon Wright, Executive Director, Eastern Health.
