Blues Fest, the beloved annual music event held in Byron Bay, has been cancelled just one day before thousands of revellers were set to enjoy the live event.
Due to be held over the Easter long weekend, the festival was scuppered following concerns around a new locally-acquired COVID-19 case in NSW, its first in two weeks.
The NSW government confirmed that community transmission of COVID-19 was recorded in Byron Bay, linked to a hen's party that was attended by an infected visitor in Brisbane.
The festival injects millions of dollars into the Byron Bay economy, with thousands attending to see renowned musicians. This year Indigenous artists Briggs, Tash Sultana and JK-47 were among those who were to perform, their first appearance in front of a large crowd following a difficult 12 months for the arts.
But Elders who were worried about COVID-19 cases didn't want the festival to go ahead amid the pandemic.
Mickey Ryan from Widjabal-Wiyabal Country in North Lismore is the Chairman of the Bundjalung Elders Council Aboriginal Corporation.
He's worried about fresh cases of COVID-19 entering communities on Bundjalung Country on the northern coastal area of New South Wales.
Before the announcement was made Mr Ryan told NITV News that the community are "frightened", as "COVID-19 is running rife and there's more people getting (in contact) with it."
Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Tweed Shire and Lismore are under restrictions to limit gatherings to 30 people and revert to the "four square metre" rule. Residents of those areas are being urged to stay home while masks are mandatory on public transport, retail stores and hospitality venues.