The Minns Labor Government is doubling the Christmas cheer this festive season with the popular Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts set to hit the stage across south-east NSW.
For the first time since launching in 2013, the Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts will tour six regional communities this year from 24 November to 9 December. Last year, Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts were held in three communities.
Free concerts will be performed at venues across Dubbo, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Cooma, Bega and Batemans Bay with a combined capacity for more than 2000 seniors to enjoy the shows.
Featuring Glen Innes-born country music artist Darren Coggan and his indie songwriter daughter Olivia, this year’s concerts will evoke a Country Meets Christmas vibe.
The family duo will blend their country music flair with traditional Christmas favourites in a 90-minute show guaranteed to inspire audiences to sing along in delight.
Guests will be treated to a selection of renowned songs including Take me Home, Country Roads from John Denver, Happy Xmas from John Lennon and some of Darren Coggan’s own masterpieces like Always Believe in Love and This Christmas.
Free local concerts will be held at:
- Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre at Zingel Place on Tuesday, 8 December at 11am
- Yuin Theatre at Bay Pavilions on Wednesday, 9 December at 11am
Tickets will be available online from 9am on Tuesday, 8 September and can be booked at: nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts
Group bookings for 10 to 20 people are encouraged from aged care facilities, retirement villages, seniors social groups and additional seniors organisations.
High demand for tickets is expected, and locals are encouraged to apply fast to avoid disappointment.
The Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts form part of the NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.
The 2027 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 1 March to 14 March under the theme Discover. Connect. Celebrate!
The NSW Seniors Festival is a key initiative targeted to strengthen social inclusion and celebrate the contribution of seniors across the state.
Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:
“Seniors across south-east NSW make an outstanding contribution to their community and the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts is the NSW Government’s Christmas gift to them.
“The feedback from seniors who attend these concerts each year is overwhelmingly positive, which is why we are spreading the joy far and wide by doubling the number of concerts this year to six regional communities.
“We are excited to see Christmas celebrations kick off early and I encourage local seniors to join in the festivities and sing along.”
Performer Darren Coggan said:
“The love of Christmas is family and what a beautiful gift it will be for me to share the stage and harness all the whimsical magic of the Australian Christmas season with my daughter Olivia on this wonderful tour.
“There has always been something infinitely special about Christmas in our house, a cherished time of togetherness, catching up with friends, family and those whom we hold close.
“We hope to bring that same sense of joy and reflection to the stage in these Country Meets Christmas concerts, performing for seniors across regional NSW.”
Member for Bega Michael Holland said:
“Christmas is a wonderful time to come together, and I’m delighted that seniors across my electorate have the opportunity to enjoy two fantastic concerts in Bega and Batemans Bay.
“The annual concerts are always a wonderful celebration, and I know local seniors are looking forward to an amazing morning of great music, laughter and Christmas spirit.
“It’s also fantastic to see the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts expanding from three communities to six this year, ensuring more seniors across regional NSW can share in the festivities.
“I encourage everybody to get in early and secure their tickets. With Darren Coggan and his daughter Olivia bringing their Country Meets Christmas shows to our region, it promises to be a terrific celebration of the festive season.”
