COVID-19 has caused havoc around the world. Many events and celebrations have been cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus in Australia and around the world.
Newroz is celebrated amongst the Kurds annually on March 21. It's a celebration that represents the beginning of spring and a new day.
SBS Kurdish spoke to the president of the Kurdish Society of Queensland Mr Dlawar Faraj regarding the cancellation of Newroz celebrations in Brisbane.
"For the protection of our community and the public safety from coronavirus, the Kurdish Society of Queensland has decided to postpone “Kurdish Newroz in Brisbane," Mr Faraj said.
The president of the Kurdish Society of Queensland also mentioned that the event has been postponed to a later date when COVID-19 has passed.
"We will wait until this problem resolves then we will announce a new date for the celebration. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this action as our aim is to protect the Australian community from any harm."
SBS Kurdish has also spoken to co-chair of the Federation of Democratic Kurdish Society-Australia Mr Ismet Tashtan regarding their decision of cancelling Newroz in Australian major cities.
"It is with great sadness that the Federation of Democratic Kurdish Society-Australia announces the cancellation of all the Kurdish Newroz events for 2020 in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia," Mr Tashtan said.
"This decision has been made due to the current situation regarding COVID-19 outbreak and in response to the recent advice from the Australian government and the health department."
“We trust that the members of the community understand and support this decision as the safety of the Australian community is paramount and it is in the best interest of everyone in the community to follow the guidelines and the advice from the Australian government”, Mr Tashtan told SBS Kurdish.
