After 2 years of not being able to hold the event, the whole community was excited that the weather was favourable on Tuesday, December 6, so that the QSWWA could once again hold the Annual Community Christmas Carols and entertain over 500 local residents. The leafy grounds of Woollahra’s Chiswick Gardens were filled with parents on picnic rugs enjoying a glass of wine while excited children queued to have their faces painted, take away an animal made from balloons or get a delicious hot dog from the barbecue, skilfully cooked by the team from Chiswick Restaurant. Woollahra Council once again were very generous supporters and we thank the Mayor for officially opening the evening and welcoming everyone. Chiswick Restaurant provided the delicious sausages and buns and staffed the barbecue, and many of our local businesses supported the raffle with wonderful prizes. The raffle is an important fund raiser for the QSWWA and we very much appreciate the support of our sponsors and prize givers (see the list of raffle prize donors below).

The musical program began with the very talented accordion player, Philippe, entertaining the crowd with a combination of carols and Christmas tunes. This was then followed by a medley of songs from the Woollahra Public School Choir, comprising over 50 singers. Woollahra Public School is an integral part of our community and it was great to have the Principal, Ms Nicole Molloy and her team with us again this year. The program then completed with a collection of carols and community singing led by the amazing voices of Stephanie Macindoe and friends, making it a very special ending to the musical program.

Santa also visited the Carols and it appears that all the local children have been good this year, as they all received a gift and were able to have their photos taken with him.

A big thank you to all those who took part and supported us – Woollahra Council, Chiswick Restaurant, raffle prize donors, musicians, singers, parents, Santa (aka Jonny Warre), our photographer, Paul McGuire, and all the QSWWA committee members. Particular thanks need to go to our event organiser for the Carols, Alan Smith. Alan works tirelessly to organise the Carols every year and we are all very grateful and appreciative of Alan’s work in making it such a successful event.  

Giles Edmonds, President, QSWWA