NAFA shows impacted by COVID-19

Patrons of the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) will begin receiving refunds for cancelled shows from this week.

Townsville Mayor and Townsville Local Disaster Management Group Chairperson Jenny Hill said anyone who had purchased a ticket for a show that has been cancelled due to COVID-19 would receive an email notifying them about their refund.

“This lockdown has come at an unfortunate time with NAFA expected to begin this week, but our staff have had contingencies in place to deal with such an eventuality,” Cr Hill said.

“While it is unknown what will happen past this Friday, residents will begin to receive automatic refunds for any shows that are cancelled and will receive an email notifying them of the cancellation.

“This will include travelling shows that aren’t already in Townsville and aren’t able to enter Queensland due to developing COVID-19 situations throughout the rest of Australia.”

Cr Hill said Council would also open a NAFA helpline to assist with any enquiries about the festival.

“Council staff will be available to answer questions about the festival through a NAFA helpline that will open from 9am tomorrow.

“I would like to stress that for any patrons that have bought tickets to a show that has been cancelled, there is no need to call this hotline as the refunds will be processed automatically.

“We’re hopeful that once this lockdown is lifted, NAFA will go ahead as planned with all COVID-safe plans and precautions in place including QR sign-in, hygiene stations and cleaning of all venues.”

Residents can call the NAFA helpline on 4727 9666 from 9am, Wednesday 30 June.