Lighting of the Tree & Carols 2023
Friday, December 1st saw our local Barcaldine community come together for the Barcaldine Regional Council's “Barcaldine Community Lighting of the Tree & Carols” hosted on the landscaped grounds of the Australian Workers Heritage Centre. The AWHC were honoured to host the night and provide the venue for this Christmas community event.
Noel Sheridan of Only Entertainment was the MC for night which began with the school children of Barcaldine decorating the iconic retired '7 metre tall Windmill Christmas Tree' with their hand-crafted baubles.
Carols were performed by a combined churches choir who led our community in song.
Deputy Mayor, Mylinda Rogers had the honour of Lighting the Windmill Tree, which cast a picturesque reflection over our bore-fed billabong.
A highlight for families was the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus who delivered gifts and lollies to the children, assisted by their helpers.
This was truly a magical celebration for Barcaldine that was made possible by the community coming together including Santa and Mrs Claus, Santa's helpers, Police and Fire Brigade, CWAC, combined churches choir, sponsoring businesses, school children and their parents.
We are particularly proud of the AWHC team who all pitched in and worked together as a team leading up to the event with the many preparation works involved and also on the night to ensure it was a memorable night and enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Communications & Engagement Coordinator - Lilli Kay from the Barcaldine Regional Council for her vision and organising this family event for the Barcaldine community and the Barcaldine Regional Council's workforce, in particular for their efforts in erecting our 'Outback Christmas Tree' a massive feat in itself.
This night showed that when the community comes together that our mission to honour all workers - past, present and future and to preserve a vitally important part of Australian heritage and culture - Our Working Life, is ever present.
