It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across many of the Hometown Australia communities! Let’s take a look at how residents are sharing the Christmas cheer this year:

Residents at Nepean Shores have done it again with an incredibly successful donation drive for the local WestCare Christmas Appeal. The WestCare Christmas Appeal aims to reach the most vulnerable people within the Penrith community so that no one misses out on Christmas. With a range of books, toys, teddy bears, bubbles, puzzles, paints and much more, residents are helping spread the Christmas cheer to those who are in need the most.

Residents at Glenfern wasted no time kicking off Christmas celebrations on Sunday, 1 December! Over 70 residents attended the Christmas ‘Wonder Day’ event held in the new community clubhouse and were treated to a two-course lunch by local caterer, True Blue Caterers. “The festivities were organised by the community social group along with many volunteers and management making it a very special occasion,” said Deania Petty, Community Manager. Christmas carols were played, laughs were shared and Glenfern’s resident photographer, Sharon, was there to capture it all! “The Christmas cheer was abundant! It was lovely to be able to create beautiful memories in the new community,” concluded Deania.

The Little Ray of Sunrise group has been busy collecting gifts to help spread the Christmas cheer. “The Little Ray of Sunrise are a special group of residents who have been shining their light to help those less fortunate,” said Leisel Dawson, Community Manager at Sunrise. Created in 2022, The Little Ray of Sunrise group has grown to 80 members and is a platform for likeminded community members to get together to share their knowledge, skills, and ideas to create items for good causes.

This year the group have done an amazing job with their support of the annual initiative, Gifts of Hope, for the local Church in Port Stephens. The group has worked tirelessly making and collecting items for the annual drive including sorting, organising and delivering the donations. A beautiful range of thoughtful gifts from teddy bears, dolls in cots and prams, books donated by Sunrise resident and author, and many more all in the spirit of Christmas!

Twinkling lights, Christmas parties and even Santa himself! December truly is the most magical time of the year at the Seachange community in Goolwa, South Australia. “Christmas cheer is in the air with the community Christmas decorations up for all to enjoy. Residents have also been busy lighting up their homes for the annual Christmas Lights Competition which we are anticipating on receiving many entries this year!” said Kerry Lange, Community Manager.

The community jumped right into the Christmas celebrations with over 120 residents enjoying the Christmas Party held in the community clubhouse. “The social club did such a wonderful job decorating the hall and organising the event which included delicious food, music, and of course dancing!” said Kerry. The celebrations have continued with children from the local primary school visiting the community to sing Christmas Carols for the residents. “It was lovely for management to be able to put on a very special morning tea to thank our wonderful residents for all they do around the Seachange community,” concluded Kerry.

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice… Santa Clause is coming to [Home]town! There are many special residents who proudly wear the red suit and beard all in the name of the festive spirit to spread joy and laughter within the local community. Red Gum resident, David, has been donning the red suit for the past 5 years as Santa Clause at the local Westfield in Coomera. Sea Winds resident, Brian, is the local Santa at the Salamander Bay shopping centre working 6 days a week leading up to Christmas! Brian started his Santa life in 2002 in Townsville and has been Santa around many shopping centres throughout Australia!