Dirt n Dust cancelled for 2021 as coronavirus uncertainty continues to hurt outback events

Julia Creek’s Dirt n Dust festival has been cancelled for the second straight year due to uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic.

The three-day event, which usually includes a triathlon, bull riding and plenty of live music, has been running for 26 years and has a new venue that organisers have been unable to utilise so far.

Newly-elected president Nathan James-Laneyrie, who was born in Julia Creek, said the incoming committee included three members new to the town which made the decision to cancel the festival a little easier.

“It was quite a tricky decision to make but due to COVID being a lingering concern and the amount of work involved for five new committee members … that sort of helped us come to that…