It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Hometown Australia’s communities with many residents getting into the festive fun hosting Christmas parties, holding charity drives and decorating their communities in the Christmas spirit. Let’s see how some communities are celebrating!

Residents at Nepean Shores are making a difference this Christmas by running a donation drive for local charity, Westcare’s annual Christmas appeal. In an amazing effort, residents filled a van to the very top with donations so that many children and families who are doing it tough will have something special to open this year.

There is something truly magical in the air at the Sanctuary community! Come December, the streets are adorned with whimsical decorations, twinkling lights and festive cheer. Each year Sanctuary opens to the local community with many children coming to view the decorations. Of course, none other than Santa himself visits the community listening to Christmas wishes and collecting donations to the local charity, Our House, in Lismore.

The Ironbark community have been very busy with the annual Community Christmas Fair taking place at the start of December. The Christmas Fair encourages residents to become involved in the community and to find a sense of belonging. Stalls were run by residents, family and friends with a wide range of arts and crafts, games, cake stalls, treasures, plants, and jewelry. Of course, there was a sausage sizzle to top it all off!

Residents at Teraglin enjoyed a beautiful evening hosted by the community social committee at the Teraglin Community Christmas Dinner Dance. A team of talented residents cooked a special roast dinner for all to enjoy. Residents worked off dessert dancing the night away to live entertainment!

Residents at Seachange have been extremely busy throughout the year making and painting Christmas decorations to dress the community. The community Christmas tree has been handmade by residents by using recycled timber. Residents also enjoyed a Christmas morning tea held in the clubhouse and were treated to a special Christmas Carols performance by the local primary school.

Hometown Australia wishes residents and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!