Cancelling australia Day fireworks to donate money to Queensland

[mysonroger]

hey guys

came across this on someone's facebook status:

Wondering if it is possible that as a country we ask the government to forgo any firework displays around the country on Australia Day and instead donate all the money to our fellow Queenslanders as financial support? Put this up as your status if you support this statement.

i have put it on my status and was wondering what people thought of the idea. I am ringing the City of Perth tomorrow to ask them their opinion. they might say it's too late, we already bought the firecrackers, yada yada yada....but it is a great idea and worth pursuing.

would love to hear opinions and ideas so when i start making some calls, i have some good ideas.

[Lil Bugs Mummy]

i dont do facebook but i thinks thats a fantatic idea:smiliedance:

[TripleTime]

I'm all for it.

[*Cj*]

I thinks it's a good idea. Only it wouldn't work for this year Australia day is 12 days away. most councils pay for fireworks the year before hand, it would all ready be paid for and sorted out.

[zombiekitty]

I think it's a good idea...in theory. But as with alot of FB comments, people post them but rarely act on them.
I know you said you are calling the council but has anyone else actually been proactive about it?

[The Fox]

I think its probably too late, but I reckon we could all donate the money that would of been spent on booze and stay sober instead.

[WorkingClassMum]

I think a recognition of AD is needed, but we could ask councils/governments to make the celebrations a bit subdued and


There can also be collections held at every AD function in memory of the Qld Floods

[EmPowering]

i'm all for it too- im not that fussed on fire works TBH i'd rather the money go towards a great cause :)

[lulu 2]

In Perth the council is not the only one forking out for the fireworks , the money comes from lotterywest and other donations. It is too late to organise that now this yr but its a good idea.
Its a pity too that all that money got given out by the govt over the past few yrs to buy votes (the stimulation package),it could have really helped those in the bushfires and floods in WA and QLD now.

[mysonroger]

I think it's a good idea...in theory. But as with alot of FB comments, people post them but rarely act on them.
I know you said you are calling the council but has anyone else actually been proactive about it?

that's what i want to find out.

i agree that its probably too late, but collection money boxed have to be organised. i ll let you all know how i go. I'm positive someone has thought of the money boxed already, but just in case they haven't.

[soexcited]

It is a lovely idea but the reality is fireworks contracts are generally entered into and paid at least 12 months in advamce. The Sydney Hrarbour NYE ones are 2 years I am pretty sure.

I agree with Oscar The Grouch - maybe get your friends to forgo drinking and put that towards a collection.

[MrJones&Me]

coming from qld - where floods did hit (we are high up thank god but our roads washed out)

I don't like the idea. There is 50 mil donated at the moment, and i think ALL qlders will agree that some joy in peoples lives in the form of a party/fireworks is needed.

JMHO

[Nomsie]

I agree that it is a nice idea in theory.. but I see two points of contention:

Firstly the people who make the fireworks depend on big celebration days like these as their main source of income. They may get other smaller orders throughout the year, but NYE and Australia Day would have to be two of the biggest for them. So the families that run the businesses and their workers would miss out.

Secondly, with all the news of misery and despair atm, why not have a bit of fun and something to celebrate? Why not go out and have a good time? It doesn't mean you are forgetting about everyone affected in QLD.. I don't see why you can't donate money, items, even blood (O neg is in dire need, ;) ;)) and still have fireworks. And for those children who are old enough to understand what has been going on, and who watch the news- they need a bit of normality and happiness in their lives right now.

[The Girls Only Club]

I agree with Crowd Control

[ThereIsNoPlaceLikeHome]

Secondly, with all the news of misery and despair atm, why not have a bit of fun and something to celebrate? Why not go out and have a good time? It doesn't mean you are forgetting about everyone affected in QLD.. I don't see why you can't donate money, items, even blood (O neg is in dire need, ;) ;)) and still have fireworks. And for those children who are old enough to understand what has been going on, and who watch the news- they need a bit of normality and happiness in their lives right now.


I agree 200%. As a family who has been affected by the flood in Brisbane. I would like to see Australia Day go ahead with fireworks and all!! Now more than ever I want to celebrate how proud I am to be Australian!!:australia-flag-06:

[cookie087]

I think it's a good idea, but the 2011 fireworks (in WA, not sure about other states) were booked and paid for in Feb last year, so it's not really a possibility.

And while I don't really "do" Aussie day fireworks I agree, this yr more than others we need to unite and celebrate, celebrate the lives lost and saved, and how we have come together as a country. Australia needs this.

[patsmum]

I think the fireworks should continue regardless of if they had been paid for etc. Australia Day Fireworks are to celebrate us as Australians. We will celebrate the wonderful nation we have that has supported qld through one of Australias worst natural disasters.

I think it would be a great idea to make it a gold coin donation. People could have bbqs etc. There are many ways to fundraise, and this would be a great thing to do at the fireworks across the nation.

Unfortuantly this year I wont be attending any such celebrations, though I hope people in the position to help make these things happen will.

[ziggy29]

As a brissie resident I feel that this year we need to celebrate australia day even more than ever.

[LoCo]

I was about to say "great idea" until I read crowd controls post.

[Pinkzy]

I agree with Crowd Control and Ziggy29.

[mysonroger]

thanks guys. I rang up the City of Perth to gauge how they responded to some of the sentiment out there ,i'm happy to report and they were actually considering cancelling the fireworks for the sake of the floods but they realised the money from cancelling was not worth it (at this late notice) compared to the money that can be raised on the day from the crowds in attendance. the rally for donations will be publicised by local WA radio stations and the Variety Club of Australia will be using their volunteers to collect on the day. they have changed the programme to tribute the victims , and i was convinced, after voicing my concerns about the event been used as a platform for some sort of donation plan, that they had tapped into the sentiment and really taken it on board, and they felt at this late notice, this was the best way forward for raising the money. You couldn't really ask for anything more.

Whether it was the right idea or the wrong idea, it was a measure of people's willingness to help....especially those of us on the other side of the country who feel a bit helpless.

[share a book]

As a brissie resident I feel that this year we need to celebrate australia day even more than ever.

Totally understand and agree with this. As Australians, we always pull together in times of need, forget our differences and come together for a common cause. I'm sure that every single person in this country would be down on their hands and knees scrubbing the pavements to help with the clean up efforts if they could, but I know that every person in this country is helping in some way, even a small way, and those who are unable to give any kind of help are keeping people in their thoughts. That is a great reason to celebrate Australia Day this year!

[overitand36]

yep if we took some help from overseas ratehr than refuse it we would be in a much better situation

cancelling just creates more problems and I know the wording of this may be off
but live does need to go on

[Myztiks#1Fan]

i think its a great idea. still do celebrations but just no fire works

[mysonroger]

i think its a great idea. still do celebrations but just no fire works


thank you for understanding it. i would never suggest to not celebrate australia day....just the notion was the firework displays.

[JabberJaw]

Mmm see both sides of this one ...BUT

What better way to celebrate what a lucky country we live in. A crazy one with all the stuff going on YEAh but i am 100% sure that most people would like a night to forget all thats going on and be happy and proud to be an Aussie. I am also sure that plenty of money will still be raised, at various locations, regardless of weather there are fireworks or not.

Kids love fireworks. The kids need a fun night, especially the ones who have lost lots.

Just one night to forget the last few weeks events is enough for some to solider on a little longer.

[pegasus]

thanks guys. I rang up the City of Perth to gauge how they responded to some of the sentiment out there ,i'm happy to report and they were actually considering cancelling the fireworks for the sake of the floods but they realised the money from cancelling was not worth it (at this late notice) compared to the money that can be raised on the day from the crowds in attendance. the rally for donations will be publicised by local WA radio stations and the Variety Club of Australia will be using their volunteers to collect on the day. they have changed the programme to tribute the victims , and i was convinced, after voicing my concerns about the event been used as a platform for some sort of donation plan, that they had tapped into the sentiment and really taken it on board, and they felt at this late notice, this was the best way forward for raising the money. You couldn't really ask for anything more.

Whether it was the right idea or the wrong idea, it was a measure of people's willingness to help....especially those of us on the other side of the country who feel a bit helpless.

I heard this on 94.5 today - so they relayed back to how it had been voiced on fb.

I do think significant funds could be raised for all sorts if the money intended for alcohol which is just drunk to get drunk on days like this was given in lieu instead....(thanks whoever's suggestion that was)

[sandy_1902]

Nope i think its a silly idea.. nnot the donating part.. but i just think yes we have had this huge flood, alot of devistation..

The fireworks i think are more for the kids.. now those kids who have lost everything would enjoy them i think if they can see them, even if they could have stoped it in time i dot think they should/

[lulululu]

I agree with Oscar the grouch. And also think what about the people who make their livings selling firecrackers? For all we know it might be a qld company

[mysonroger]

I heard this on 94.5 today - so they relayed back to how it had been voiced on fb.


oh wow, i wonder if that was to do with the phone call i made? how they spoke about the donation collecting?!