The Birchip Community Christmas Party 2024 had a fresh new vibe on Sunday with its daytime format incorporating the joy of the Christmas season, festive cheer, community spirit and lots of fun. 

The day kicked off early with a heartwarming Ecumenical Church Service, offering attendees a reflective moment to embrace the true meaning of Christmas. The service, a collaboration of readings, psalms, blessings, and carols, was beautifully conducted by representatives from all three local churches. A cross section of age groups participated in the readings and prayers of the people with a unique nativity scene for the backdrop. 

Performances by the exceptionally talented local singers, Denita Donnan, Louisa Ferrier, Robyn Ferrier and Bern Smith, added a special touch to the service, and the congregation’s combined voices filled the hall with the joyful sounds of the season. 

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Robyn Ferrier, John Richmond, Annette Mengler-Bennett, and Glenys Ferrier for organising the Ecumenical Church Service and community members from all three congregations who read verses and prayers of the people. 

Following the service guests enjoyed coffee, and Christmas treats courtesy of the Wirrim CWA members and the Red Caboose Coffee van, fostering an atmosphere of connection and celebration. 

Marketplace
The transition into the marketplace was seamless, with Morrison Street bustling from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with local stallholders selling a fantastic array of handmade goods, from candles and jewellery to biscuits, dog leads, slushies, scrunchies, slime, and lots of unique Christmas gifts.

The community market was a great opportunity for attendees to support local market holders and young entrepreneurs while ticking off their Christmas shopping lists, and it was a lovely nod to a Christmas tradition that dates back to the late Middle Ages in Europe.

Entertainment
For families, the event was packed with entertainment. Thrill-seekers of all ages revelled in continuous rides on the Cha Cha and bungy trampolines, while younger children enjoyed the jumping castle playground.

The air-conditioners in the Birchip Public Hall were a saving grace as community members of all ages could relax and mingle, enjoy their lunch and an on-stage performance from the magic elf. Throughout the afternoon, the performing elf charmed the crowd with magic tricks, stilt walking, bubbles and balloon art which added lots of laughs and ambience to the festive atmosphere

Families could also keep their young ones entertained and out of the sun in the Mallee Family Care pop-up playgroup area which was set up indoors in the cool.

The delicious barbecue lunch was expertly prepared by the SES and Lions Club volunteers, complemented by slushies, soft drinks, soft serve and even more of the ever-popular CWA Christmas treats. 

Manager of the Birchip Neighbourhood House, Simone Christie expressed gratitude to the SES and Lions Club for cooking and serving the barbecue, the CWA for their delightful Christmas treats, and the volunteers who contributed in countless ways. 

Simone extended a special thank you to the talented singers, Denita, Bern, Robyn and Louisa, and Glenys who played the keyboard for the carols, as well as John Richmond, who spent many hours preparing the presentation of “The Year That Was” and the carol service.

In concluding, Simone thanked the sponsors who make it possible to have the rides included in the low entrance fee, which ensures 

the event is inclusive and accessible for all community members. The 2024 sponsors 

were: Birchip Neighbourhood House, Wilkur Energy Park, Buloke Shire Council, O’Connors, Central Mallee Health, Sharp’s Bakery and FReeZA.

The Birchip Community Christmas Party was a resounding success, bringing together friends, families and neighbours to have fun and celebrate the joy, peace, and goodwill of the season. 

Organisers are eager to hear your thoughts on the new daytime format and the earlier date. Please share your feedback with Simone at the Birchip Neighbourhood House, including suggestions for improvements and your preferred date and time for future events.