It’s the most wonderful time of the year and in 2020, our residents are being encouraged to celebrate with friends and family near and dear at home in their neighbourhoods – and keep Saturday 19 December free.
With just one month until Christmas Day, the Sunshine Coast Council’s Festive Season in My Neighbourhood campaign kicks off today (25 November) reflecting the different circumstances we all operate under this year.
The Festive Season in My Neighbourhood campaign encourages the community to visit council’s website and download a free invitation to host a neighbourhood driveway party and draw on an inspirational selection of seasonal tips and ideas.
There will also be something special for all the family, with the Sunshine Coast Community Carols event being held online on Saturday 19 December from 6.30pm via council’s YouTube, website and Facebook.
The Community Carols event will feature a great line-up of local performers including Hot Ginger Chorus, Eumundi School of Rock and the Sunshine Statesmen Men’s Barbershop Chorus.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson encouraged all residents to look to the 2020 festivities as a time for people to celebrate and reconnect within their neighbourhoods.
“This has been a hard year for many people who have understandably experienced a range of emotions,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We are all living through an unprecedented event and together we are working our way to emerge from the impacts of the pandemic.
“Now is the time for people to pause, reflect, celebrate and spread the good cheer throughout our Sunshine Coast, neighbour to neighbour, street to street and community to community.
“Our council is delighted to bring the Sunshine Coast Community Carols to our communities and I encourage everyone to get family and friends together and enjoy a night of carols including Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Jingle Bell Rock.”
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law encouraged everyone to download a #festivekindness invitation and gather together in good company, remembering to apply COVID Safe practices.
“One of the key goals of our Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041 is to nurture creative and innovative approaches to building a strong community,” Cr Law said.
“Festive Season in My Neighbourhood builds on the popular Covid Kindness campaign council launched in March, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with #covidkindness reaching millions of people worldwide.
“I’m encouraging everyone to get together in their neighbourhoods and perhaps reach out to someone who may be alone this year or doing it tough.
“Never underestimate the power of kindness and how having a simple conversation or dropping off a hamper to a neighbour may make all the difference in the world.”
