That was an achievement in itself and by all accounts almost 10,000 people had a rollicking good time despite lockdowns that impacted large parts of Australia.

Since then the impact of the Delta Strain of COVID has become more widespread and it is probably fair to say that if the event had been planned for a month later it probably would have been cancelled.

Indeed organisers of the Birdsville Races have taken the decision to push back next month's race meeting to next April, meaning there should be two Birdsville races in 2022.

The Bash organisers know they have been lucky in 2021, but they are taking no chances next year and have announced an important decision, and one I believe will eventually be copied by most events next year.

Organiser Greg Donovan said entry to the 2022 Bash will be denied to those unvaccinated, or as he colourfully put it, "no jab, no jive".

Mr Donovan said the health and safety of patrons, staff, volunteers, contractors as well as the local outback communities is their highest priority.

"Staging festivals in such remote locations, where patrons come from all over Australia and travel through small regional and outback communities, many of which have large indigenous populations, has led us to carefully review our position on vaccinations," Mr Donovan said.

"While we respect the choice of individuals as to whether or not they decide to get vaccinated, due to the nature and location of our festivals we have decided to make vaccination a condition of attendance for everyone aged 16 and over - including patrons, staff, contractors, vendors and volunteers."

This is a brave but necessary move to ensure the ongoing success of the festival.

It's a decision I believe we'll see replicated across Australia as other events grapple with a post-lockdown world.

As Mr Donovan said people are entitled not to vaccinate, but those same people are not entitled to jeopardise the health of those around them.