IMB Bank Cook Community Classic carnival cancelled for second year in a row

In the past, the event has attracted more than 5000 people to Cronulla beach and park for a community swimming race, four-way surf club relay, beach football and volleyball and fete.

Prime Minister and Cook MP Scott Morrison, who initiated the event and is its patron, said after much consideration, the steering committee made the difficult decision to cancel this year's carnival.

Initially planned for Sunday November 21, the event was moved to December 12 in order to comply with the NSW Government's Public Health (Covid-19 General) Order 2021.

Mr Morrison said the state government's decision to extend this order from December 1 to December 15, or when the state reaches the 95 per cent vaccination milestone, meant the requirements for the carnival and a COVID Safe Plan could not be met.

"The committee explored a range of ideas to keep the event going this year but our number one focus is keeping our community safe," he said.

"While this is a great disappointment to all involved, and particularly the community groups and charities who benefit from this event each year, the committee is looking forward to a bigger event in 2022."

IMB Bank chief executive Robert Ryan said community safety was the priority and reaffirmed the bank's sponsorship for the event into 2022.

The main fundraising element of the Classic is proceeding, with community groups selling raffle tickets to raise money for their community organisations in a COVID-safe way.

For more information about the raffle and how organisations and community groups can get involved, visit: cookcommunityclassic.com.au.

The raffle will still be drawn on December 12 and further details will be published once details are finalised.