Melissa Baleilekutu reports on Carols at Mallee Rose Cottage

At first it was supposed to be held at the Cottage and spill over to the reserve at the back of the Centre along Rosewood Drive. Due to a misunderstanding between Housing and Council, we were not able to hold it there and were only advised on Wednesday. Thank goodness Macarthur Adventist College opened up their doors to hold the event at the School Hall, which worked out better because it was raining yesterday.

We had more than four hundred people attend last evening’s carols with around 200 children receiving presents. According to the locals, it is the biggest one that has been held in the area and for that we are grateful and Praise God for a successful event.

The Sydney Tongan Brass band performed really bringing that spirit of Christmas to the event, carols, songs and cultural performances were also part of the evening and the local MP was present to say a few words and participated in the event almost right till the end. The Rotary Club of Ingleburn were on site running a BBQ and raising funds for ADRA and were also thrilled with the large turn out.

With the late switch of venue, there was a lot of last minute bookings for props, sound, lighting and kids activities (to fill the space) but it all turned out well, and we have the School, Rotary, the local MP and other organisations and churches wanting to come on board in partnership for next years carol event.