The Byron Writers' Festival has been cancelled after heavy rainfall deluged the east coast, with organisers citing unsafe conditions. The decision was made following the first day of the event, which saw flooded ovals, muddy paths, and a power outage that forced an evacuation.
Artistic director Jessica Alice described the cancellation as 'deeply regrettable but necessary', noting that extreme weather is increasingly something event organisers must plan for. This is not the first time the festival has been affected by rain; it was disrupted in 2008 and 2022.
Meanwhile, participants in Sunday's City2Surf race in Sydney have been warned to take care as showery and chilly conditions are expected. The Bureau of Meteorology's Jonathan How said a southerly wind will make it feel cold.
Heavy rainfall totals have been recorded along the eastern seaboard, with some areas receiving nearly double the August average in just eight days. Sydney has already seen 140mm of rain, exceeding its monthly average of 80mm, while Newcastle recorded 147mm.
A major flood warning remains in place for the Namoi River at Wee Waa, Bugilbone and Goangra, though levels are subsiding. Hazardous surf warnings are active for the K'gari coast and Sunshine Coast Waters.
