It has come as no surprise but show societies in western Queensland have released official statements this week cancelling their shows for the year.
Longreach's 125th pastoral show is the latest in a long list of events to be given the thumbs down in the wake of the ban on more than 500 people at outdoor gatherings imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Thursday's announcement follows advice earlier this week from the Tambo Stock Show and the Barcoo Pastoral Society at Blackall that their annual events had been called off, plus verbal confirmation of the same at Barcaldine.
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"Our 125th anniversary show was shaping up to be one of the best events we've hosted in some time and this decision is particularly disappointing for our hard-working committee," Longreach secretary Ingrid Miller said.
Scheduled for May 15-16, Ms Miller said the committee felt it was left with no other option after liaising with the Longreach council and various stakeholders.
"As a committee, this has been a very difficult decision to make.
"We are very conscious of how much time, effort and enthusiasm is dedicated to the show by our volunteers, supporters, partners, competitors and the wider community in general.
"We understand the meaning and significance of the show in our local region, however the decision to cancel is based solely on placing the health, safety and wellbeing of our community first and foremost."
Similar sentiments were expressed by Barcoo Pastoral Society secretary Holly Macdonald.
"This has not been an easy decision as we know how much the annual Blackall Show means to so many people," she said. "However it is an unfortunate situation that we have taken very seriously and the safety, health and wellbeing of our community is at the core of our decision today."
After moving out of the May central west show circuit to a date in June to avoid numerous community clashes, the Barcaldine Show is another casualty of the pandemic containment measures.
According to Barcaldine Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Society secretary Beccy Plumb, while they didn't have an official release out yet, they would undoubtedly follow suit with a cancellation.
"We thought something nice and fresh would do the trick and now this," she said. "But the council has closed the facility and it will be above 500 people so that's that."
Holly Macdonald said it was the Blackall committee's dream and goal to host an event on behalf of the society at a later date, once there was clarity around the pandemic's spread.
She said they were dedicated to ensuring all stakeholders were kept up to date with the latest information regarding the Blackall Show and the actions that will be taken moving forward.
The Blackall-Tambo tourism page advised that the 2020 Tambo Stock Show scheduled for April 18 had been cancelled and that it will return on April 24, 2021 to celebrate its 50th year.
Ingrid Miller said the Longreach committee was similarly motivated for 2021, planning to come back with "energy, inspiration and excitement to deliver a memorable and successful show for the community".
At the time of compiling, the Isisford Show committee was still to make an announcement about cancelling its event, and the Muttaburra Show secretary Katie Webb said they would be making a decision by the end of March..