From the Lord Mayor's Office
Celebrating the festive season as a community
There’s lots of ways we can celebrate this festive season as a community – whether through gift giving or caroling!
End of year celebrations are ramping up across our city as we catch up with loved ones and connect through food, music, laughs and of course, gifts.
We know for many of our little ones and young people, they look forward to opening a gift come Christmas time. Yet, this may be challenging to provide for some families doing it tough.
But that’s where our community steps in. I take pride that Wollongong always shows up for one another when it counts, and during Christmas, many of our residents donate to the City of Wollongong Giving Tree appeal.
Last year, the generosity of our locals helped provide gifts to around 625 families in the Illawarra.
I’ve heard stories from our partner charities Anglicare and St. Vincent de Paul Society of how special it is to pack all the gifts and send it off to families in time for Christmas.
So, if you’re in a position to, please consider buying an unwrapped gift or voucher for children up to 16 years old and drop it off at one of our donation locations. It truly goes a long way to make a season joyous for everyone.
Image: Bikers Toy Run 2024
If you want to make it a donation to remember, you can drop it off at the Biker Toy Run on Thursday 6 December down at Crown Street Mall. Like previous years, it’ll be a lively morning with people dressed in their festive best riding in on some impressive motorbikes.
To truly celebrate with your community, make sure you come along to Carols in MacCabe Park on Thursday 11 December. This event was a merry hit last year with families and I’m pleased we get to bring it back!
Get your vocal cords ready as the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music will lead a night of joyous carols with local celebrity Damien Leith as the MC. There’ll also be face painting, food and entertainment – and of course Santa.
I look forward to enjoying the last few weeks with you all and celebrating as a community.
City of Wollongong Tree Appeal is open until 14 December.
Image: Carols in MacCabe Park 2024
