Fireworks failure to be discussed

The Gosford City Australia Day committee will decide this week whether to hold a special fireworks night following the failure of fireworks at Woy Woy's Australia Day celebrations.

The fireworks display, which was to be based on a barge in the Woy Woy channel, was cancelled after the barge took water, damaging the fireworks.

A large crowd had gathered at the Woy Woy waterfront on the evening of January 25 to celebrate Australia Day, anticipating the advertised fireworks.

Fireworks supplier Mr Keith Schofield told Peninsula News that the barge that was being towed from Koolewong to Woy Woy met with unexpected waves and took in water.

"I am terribly sorry to say that all of the equipment and the fireworks were damaged beyond repair and could not be used on the night," Mr Schofield said.

"In all my years of providing fireworks for events, this has never happened.

"We will do something special for the Woy Woy community to make up for their disappointment," Mr Schofield said.

Gosford City Australia Day Committee chairman Cr Chris Holstein said the committee would meet on February 11 to decide on how best to take advantage of Mr Schofield's offer.

The large crowd present at Woy Woy on the night took the news good-naturedly and most of them remained to enjoy the entertainment.

Two local bands played: the Usual Suspects and Brisbane Water High School's For the Moment.

One of Sydney's best bush bands, Ryebuck, played for a bush dance on the waterfront.

There were several food and drink stalls as well as some market stalls and displays by the naval cadets from Pt Clare and the Rural Fire Brigade.

Many enjoyed an inspection of the Central Coast's own tall ship, the STS Wutuku.

Low cost rides, a folk concert in the CWA Hall, children's activites and free birthday cake were among the other features of the night.

Press release, February 4 Cec Bucello, Woy Woy Australia Day Committee