ROMA’S Picnic Races and black tie ball are a calendar highlight in southwest Queensland, but this year they will be unable to go ahead.

Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison effectively banned all events of more than 500 people.

The Roma Picnic Races club shared the news to their Facebook.

“We have decided due to the increased public concern, to protect the health of stakeholders and visitors, and in response with the Prime Minister and COAG’s direction that any organised mass gathering over 500 people should be cancelled, that said Roma Picnic Ball and Races will be cancelled for 2020,” they said.

“We appreciate that the cancellation of the Picnics Weekend is a huge disappointment for the committee and community.

“We would appreciate your support and patience as we work through the logistics and issues that come with cancelling such an event.”

All pre-purchased tickets will be refunded and we will contact you to do this over the next 7 days. If you wish to have funds direct credited please email admin@romapicnicraces.com.au with your details.

We would like to thank all our ticket holders, sponsors and suppliers for their support this year so far and look forward to making 2021 even bigger and better.