Celebrate Christmas with the Mount Alexander Shire community by coming along to Community Christmas Lunch.
The annual celebration is hosted by Castlemaine Community House and is a free celebration open to all residents.
It’s the perfect way to come together and connect and enjoy the season’s festivities in a friendly environment.
The day will include lunch and dessert, music, activities, presents and good company.
Castlemaine Community House spokesperson Kirrily Flanagan said that Christmas lunch is a joyous event that’s open to the entire community.
“We’re thrilled to spend Christmas Day with our community in a warm and welcoming space,” Ms Flanagan said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together for food, music, activities and excellent company.
“Thank you especially to our volunteers who work tirelessly to make the day a special occasion.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Director Healthy Communities Lisa Knight said that council is proud to support this festive event.
“I warmly encourage anyone who’d like some company on Christmas Day, or simply wants to share the day with others in our community, to come along,” Ms Knight said.
“There’ll be delicious food prepared by dedicated volunteers, live music, gifts and plenty of friendly faces.
“Castlemaine Community House continue to deliver a joyful and welcoming celebration each year, and this event always offers something special for everyone.”
The lunch will take place on Thursday December 25 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. The event is free. Bookings can be made by calling 5472 4842 or register at www.cch.org.au/community-christmas-lunch/
Free transportation to and from the event is available this year within Mount Alexander Shire. Call 5472 4842 to book.
Take-away packs and gifts are available for those unable to dine-in.
Castlemaine Christmas Community Lunch is proudly brought to you by Castlemaine Community House, Mount Alexander Shire Council, HALT (Hope Assist Local Tradies), Castlemaine Safe Space, Dhelkaya Health, Castlemaine Rotary, Bendigo and Community Bank Maldon & District, and would not be possible without the generous donations of many local business and community individuals.
Community to gather for Christmas lunch
A Crickety Christmas is coming to Camp
This Saturday December 20 at Camp Reserve is the first ever ‘Crickety Christmas’ – two superstar teams, one made up of Castlemaine United Cricket Club legends and the other the All Star Team will face off in a T20 cricket match like no other.
The All Star team features Aussie rock legend (and Taradale all-rounder) Tim Rogers, ex-AFL and current Castlemaine Football Club star Michael Hartley, dancing phenomenon Sas Cook from Movement Zone, MainFM star Alex Parsons, local paramedic and Muckleford cricketer Kaitlyn Hough, Bridge Hotel boss Pat Furze, the Run The Maine Bird (in costume!) aka Dr Richard Mayes, Barkers Creek CC, Melbourne Renegades and Essendon VFLW star Tia Davidge, and MasterChef’s Beau Cook.
The action kicks off at 5pm with free entry, live music, a free barbecue, bar facilities at friendly prices, a coaching clinic for the kids, face painting and card making and a visit by that big guy in the red suit. It’s a family fun day for everyone. The event is supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Santa visits Hot & Crusty
Castlemaine’s Hot & Crusty Country Bakery in Barker Street has set up ‘Santa’s Corner’ for the second year and is offering community members the chance to pop in an take a photo with Santa!
Hot and Crusty owner Geraldine Delmenico said she just loves Christmas and wanted to do something to give back to the community that supports them.
“One of our talented staff members Mandy Norfolk constructed Santa’s beautiful chair and we have been collecting Christmas decorations to create a dedicated space where community members of all ages can pop in and take their Santa photo on their phone free of charge.
“We know a lot of families and individuals are doing it tough with the cost of living crisis and we wanted to bring a smile to people’s faces and spread a little Christmas magic,” Geraldine said.
Team member Ken is sharing the starring role with Geraldine’s dad Ron and said community members have really embraced the offering and youngsters have enjoyed sharing their Christmas wishes with the big man in red.
“It seems race cars and Paw Patrol are popular and the Wiggles are making a comeback!” he said.
Santa will be visiting Hot & Crusty today and Friday between 12-2.30pm, Saturday 11.30am-1.30pm and during Christmas week Monday-Wednesday 12-3.30pm.
SWIMMA makes a splash
