Clubs around the District bring Christmas cheer to their communities.

Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair

An early starter for the Christmas season was the Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair, held on 27 and 28 October at the Mackay Showgrounds (pictured above).  The club's first Fair was held in 1978, and each year it is as strongly supported fun family event with food, drinks, many stalls, rides, and finishes with fireworks each night.

The Fair involves all members, partners, family, and friends, totaling over 60 volunteers, and is the largest fundraising event for the Club, enabling it to support many local organizations.

Ross Walker

Merry Mareeba - Friday, 1 December

The first ever 'Merry Mareeba Carols by Candlelight' downtown style was a tremendous success, attracting record-breaking crowds and delivering sparkling performances that brought jolly cheer to all This festive event, organized by Mareeba Rotary, kicked off at 5.30pm with Christmas Lane and Christmas Markets, offering a range of activities such as face painting, story time, Christmas photos, Christmas card making, live music, and market stalls. Attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks from various outlets in town, while local shops stayed open late.

The main event commenced at 6.30pm on the centre stage, featuring enchanting Christmas carols, the sale of candles, the lighting of the town tree, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself. The festive atmosphere and the support of the amazing community made this a truly memorable night, marking the beginning of the festive season in Mareeba.

Chantelle Pedersen

Mossman Rotary making Christmas brighter.

Mossman Rotary Club made its annual donation of Christmas cakes to Meals on Wheels and the Mossman Community Centre, helping to make Christmas a little brighter for its community (photo on left of collage). The club also supported the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal with a donation, and by packing and delivering the hampers (photos to right of collage).

Rotary Mossman Facebook page

Carols by the Beach in Airlie Beach

The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach partnered with the Whitsunday Regional Council and other organisations in running the Annual Carols by the Beach and Christmas Movie night. The Club sponsored the face painting activity, provided prizes for the best children's Christmas outfits, and joined with the local Zonta club to provide a sausage sizzle. The club is partnering with the local Ray White Real Estate branch's Little Ray of Giving Appeal to distribute donated gifts to needy families via a local charity. Members and friends are donating to the Mayor's Festive Food Appeal In lieu of Secret Santa gifts to each other at the Club's Christmas Party. 

Merewyn Wright