A NEW committee of management will form in July before planning of the 139^th Stawell Gift begins.

The committee will comprise the Stawell Athletic Club committee, Sport and Recreation Victoria representatives, Northern Grampians Shire Council representatives and the Victorian Athletic League.

360 Sport and Entertainment also assists with the gift's organisation each year.

Managing director Trent Taylor said the new committee would bring together four key stakeholders.

He said once the committee was confirmed in July, it would turn its attention to planning next year's event.

A priority will be forming new partnerships ahead of the Easter carnival.

Mr Taylor said he thought people would be disappointed but understanding about the cancellation of this year's gift.

It is the first time the gift has been cancelled since the Second World War.

"I think the blow is a little better than after the event had to be postponed in April," Mr Taylor said.

"Now we've had time to adjust to the shock of realising it didn't happen."

He described the decision to cancel this year's event as a practical one.

"It's in the best interest of the gift," he said.

Mr Taylor thanked people for their support.

Earlier

THE 2020 Stawell Gift has been cancelled.

The event was postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the executive has unanimously decided to cancel the event for the year.

The Stawell Athletic Club released a statement on Thursday morning.

Read more: Event cancellations due to COVID-19 costs region more than $15m

"While the cancellation of the iconic race is disappointing for participants, spectators, partners and suppliers, planning for Easter 2021 is already underway and the Gift will return bigger and better next year under the direction of a new committee of management," the statement said.

"The new committee will work together to drive collaboration between key event partners, enhance the event experience for athletes and spectators and the local community to grow participation, and deliver greater economic impact for the region.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Stawell next year for the running of the 139th Stawell Gift."

More to come

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