The COVID-19 restrictions and border closures have forced the postponement of a major annual meat judging event in Wagga.
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The Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) was due to hold its flagship national conference and competition in the city next week.
Organisers determined that the border closures and travel restrictions would prevent many delegates reaching Wagga and hamper organisers' efforts to deliver an effective training program.
ICMJ National President Peter McGilchrist said the committee was now investigating dates to hold the event later in the year.
In the meantime, the ICMJ will set up digital activities based on its successful 2020 online campaign, including a virtual careers fair scheduled for August 10.
"The re-introduction of travel restrictions, social distancing and crowd size limits in recent days has unfortunately left ICMJ with little choice but to postpone next week's event," Dr McGilchrist said.
"The restrictions make it logistically impossible to deliver a comprehensive ICMJ experience that inspires and develops the next generation of meat industry leaders.
"As a result, we are now investigating alternative dates later in the year when hopefully the current outbreak will be under control and higher vaccination rates will enable ease of travel and movement."
Delegates who had registered to attend the Wagga conference will be entitled to refunds, and the ICMJ organisers will be communicating with sponsors and careers fair exhibitors.
The ICMJ national conference and competition is held annually at Charles Sturt University, where the top competitors are selected to represent Australia at events in the United States.
The event also usually features a careers expo, which is used by about 50 companies to recruit graduates.
The conference celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019 and was attended by more than 150 students, 38 coaches, multiple industry sponsors, supporters and alumni.
Dr McGilchrist said the ICMJ would build on its success in running online-only events last year to continue its "digital delivery" during the current restrictions.
