If there was ever any doubt that our Byron Bay community wanted to come together and celebrate, then with the Christmas Community’s Initiative of a ‘movie under the stars’, we got our answer on December 22.
More than 250 residents and visitors gathered at the Byron Bowlo and it was a huge success.
The evening was opened by MC Jack Dods, Deputy Mayor, introducing our colourful and beautiful Mana Aloha dancers, followed by the wonderful Caitlin Quinn, who brought so much cheer to the gathering with her beautiful voice singing Christmas songs and carols.
Surprise Santa
Surprise, surprise Santa (Ian) arrived with his helper Ivan the elf on his bright yellow trike carrying a sack of candy treats.
So many people came up afterwards and said, ‘This is what Byron needs’, and, ‘There is no sign of the festive season in Byron, no Christmas tree, no decorations. It looks like a town Christmas forgot.’
It’s only when you delve a little deeper in to the Byron community in December, that you find a Christmas heart.
We just need support to show our collective community spirit. It’s good for business and our economy, and us.
Lack of funding
Council’s lack of funding for Christmas festivities is bewildering. Christmas is not just a single day, it is the season that drives our longest and most important holiday period. Our town needs it.
Why can’t we incorporate both?
Soul Street on New Year’s Eve and Christmas festivities. They could coexist with shared funding to create two strong, well-run celebrations instead of one.
After the sadness of the Bondi Beach attack, Australians are searching for what is real and meaningful.
Reconnect
They travel to smaller towns to reconnect – with nature, with community, and with a sense of belonging. Byron has all of this – the beach, the ocean, the bush, village feel, and our cultural connection to country.
So what is our mandate/vision for Byron? Who are we, and where are we going?
Perhaps instead of waiting for someone else to provide it, we should put up our own hands – residents, businesses and Council together – to create and protect what we love about this place, and ensure Byron remains something special for future generations.
I don’t know whether anyone noticed the many languages spoken by people visiting Byron Bay over Christmas and New Year. Christmas is a universal time of year, symbolic of joy and renewal and connection for so many different communities.
Supporters
A special thanks to our local supporters the Byron Bay Bowling Club, The Byron RSL, First National Real Estate’s Chris Hanley, Ivan Ewert who made the Christmas tree float happen, Cass Lloyd for her support and guidance, and last but not least the wonderful Christmas cheer volunteers of the Christmas Community Initiative – this would never have happened without you, thank you.
Let’s bring some joy back into Byron and let’s all work together.
Stephanie Rake is a volunteer coordinator of the Christmas Community Initiative.
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