to have felt sick to my stomach seeing the Sydney fireworks...

[XXJingledNerves]

I wish so much they had cancelled.

Tens of thousands of holiday makers are being evacuated. State of emergency declared for 7 days beginning Friday. Lives have been lost, people unaccounted for, If you respond better to finacial losses- More than $40 million in insurance claims in last 24 hours in New South Wales. Disagree bush fires are, on a national scale, just annoying.... Life goes on, and yes the Aussie spirit is resilient, but also compassionate. Most actually wish to re-examine how todeal with and plan for extreme weather and to stop, and show support. I believe that it was important to scale back celebrations to show recognition and support for those experiencing losses

Don’t agree with the kylie Minogue tourism ad aimed at British people mocking us about Brexit and escaping to Australia. It was released on Christmas Day on Twitter. Sorry but I’d rather stay here than go to burning Australia atm. That advert COULD have been held back. Really distasteful.

chooser

I think the history of mockery between the countries goes both ways. The tourism ad (setting content aside) is actually well timed. Not to make light of the gravity of the fire issue at all. However, people in the UK are thinking of where to book their next holiday for summer. Plus, it is also a gentle reminder that Australia is a very large country and there are plenty of destinations that need tourists to come. Even destinations that have experienced terrible fire before Christmas. People keep saying that the economic impact has been focused on in this thread, however this is how these areas recover. The businesses that can still operate start back up if they have had to stop, and they bring money back into the region. There are no handouts, doubtful much by way of subsidies, to be given from deep pocketed coffers.

So regardless of the whether you feel the content is appropriate, the timing is good.

Only now are some businesses re-opening after the decimation of two cyclones in Far North Queensland after all this time. Will you deny these businesses getting back on their feet and re-establishing communities by saying ‘Australia’s burning, it is poor taste to advertise tourism!’?

Only now are some businesses re-opening after the decimation of two cyclones in Far North Queensland after all this time. Will you deny these businesses getting back on their feet and re-establishing communities by saying ‘Australia’s burning, it is poor taste to advertise tourism!’?

If we have form for cancelling fireworks on whims then the tourist numbers will plummet at this time of year. People don’t want to pay to go to the other side of the globe ‘hoping’ we come through and hold it that year. They won’t risk it and may well decide to go to another country for their big holiday. That means the Reef towns/islands you mention will never get back on their feet as they rely on tourism this time of year and tourists either go there before coming down or come here then go up. But why give those businesses a fair shake?

I’m assuming you therefore don’t want UK donations? Noted.

Cos material donations are just like criticism...

Cos material donations are just like criticism...

So basically “I can make as twatty comments as I like but we still want your dough”

We are not Australian but we cannot understand how the fireworks couldn’t have been delayed until a later date. To have a National celebratory event when homes have been destroyed and Australians have lost their lives, including brave fire fighters, appears to be unbelievable. I didn’t watch them.

The question of why they went ahead has been answered multiple times in this thread.

No, I didn't watch them either.

But the ire being directed at fireworks can probably find more worthy targets.

we still want your dough

This is strangely hostile. By all means, donate if you wish, but nobody is compelled to do so.

I think the millions of pounds spent on NYE fireworks around the world could be put to better use.

That means the Reef towns/islands you mention will never get back on their feet as they rely on tourism this time of year and tourists either go there before coming down or come here then go up.

But why give those businesses a fair shake?

@HoppingPavlova Sorry, was your question for me?

I think the millions of pounds spent on NYE fireworks around the world could be put to better use

Me too, but actually before this debacle, I hadn't really understood the importance of these type of events to tourism and hospitality. So now I'm not as sure as I was.

We are not Australian but we cannot understand how the fireworks couldn’t have been delayed until a later date.

So what appropriate later date do you think that New Year firework display should have moved to?

I think some people are missing the connection point.
It's not the smoke in the sky.

It's not the respect.

It's not the additional risk.
It is the fact the event needs firestaff which they cannot spare.

Feeling sick about it is a bit melodramatic though OP

I am in South Australia and believe that they should have been cancelled as well.

I know that they used them as an opportunity to raise money but I feel for those affected and feel that it was disrespectful to them.

Have you seen this video?
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-fires-live-multiple-bushfires-burning-at-emergency-level-on-new-year-s-eve-20191231-p53nrr.html