The Cockatoo Community Christmas Carols will be held on Sunday 4 December from 5pm to 7.30pm at St Luke’s Church in Cockatoo because of concerns about the current state of the originally planned location.
Naomi Dewar from St Luke’s said the event will be held at the church instead of Alma Treloar Reserve as originally planned because of the current state of the grounds.
“There are family-friendly activities from five until six, that include glitter tattoos, face painting, free fairy floss and popcorn, and also obstacle courses and sumo suits for the kids,” she said.
“It’s really a chance for families to come and enjoy some company together, there’ll be a toddlers area and people can come together as a community.”
The carols will begin at 6pm, where the community can join in singing for some Christmas cheer. There will also be a sausage sizzle, coffee, tea and hot jam doughnuts available at a small cost.
Ms Dewar said the carols will also feature games and a nativity story partway through.
“It’s not just a church event, it’s for everybody and after the last three years have not been able to meet and just spend time together,” she said.
“Since August, we’ve had people asking whether we were going to be running carols this year.”
The event is being supported by St Luke’s Anglican Church Cockatoo, The Hills Community Strengthening Initiative, Cardinia Shire Council and Cockatoo Bendigo Community Bank. It is alcohol and drug-free.
Ms Dewar said the church exists to serve and support the local community.
“This is just a small way we can show that on top of all the other things we do like the food store and after-school programs,” she said.
“It’s just such a blessing to be able to be able to do it again, even with the current obstacles of rain coming up.”
Another carols event will be held in Gembrook on Saturday 3 December. The event will be held outside unless there is poor weather, in which case it will be moved indoors.
