In the Sutherland Region of Sydney, Lisa, Caringbah Conference president, gives this account of their event,  “We all had a wonderful time at our annual Christmas barbecue at Mount St Vincent, Burraneer this year.  Six members of the  Caringbah Conference fed and entertained 27 of the residents. They enjoyed a barbecue with numerous desserts along with a Christmas bingo game. All the residents were so appreciative of our efforts and the consistent social events we provide enable them to make new friendships with each other as well as strong relationships with our Vinnies team.”

Merrylands: Housing residents joined members from several local Conferences along with Housing and Membership and Youth team staff for a joyful Christmas lunch on 17th December. Fine weather and a great array of food from several cultures provided by residents and staff all added to the success of the gathering. It was pleasing to see so many of the people who live at the units join in the celebration.

Penrith: A successful partnership between staff and Conference members from the Nepean Region of Greater Western Sydney created the 4th annual  Christmas BBQ and celebration on Saturday 6th December at the Penrith Housing units. Leon, the Regional Council President coordinated all the arrangements once again to bring members, staff and tenants together. Karen, the support coordinator provided some supplies and invited the residents. Jessica and Robin from the Housing team were there on the day providing great support and in spite of extremely hot weather, we had the best turnout of tenants to date for an event. The BBQ was delicious , and lunch/ brunch also included a plentiful array of salads and desserts, many contributed by the residents. It was a wonderful community time. A new Santa made his debut bringing gifts for the children and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Elaine, Katoomba Conference member, writes of the Christmas lunch held on the 18^th of December with the residents of the Bede Heather Place Housing units. “We had an international feast, with delicious food contributed by the residents and great catering provided by Karen Ryan, the Services Coordinator. It was hot so folks were grateful for the new covered area providing shade. Our Conference members attending really enjoyed being there and give thanks for the opportunity to be engaged with this lovely, caring community.”

Dubbo: Conference members Jan and Ian shared in the Christmas celebrations at St Faiths housing complex in Dubbo on 11th December. Housing staff, Suey and Jorge (pictured here with one of the residents) said that the event was a great success and that they were grateful for the involvement of the Dubbo Conference members with St Faith’s residents.  The delicious lunch and the festivities were appreciated by all.

There are further opportunities for members and/or volunteers to become involved with Housing residents engaging in social activities in Maitland, Cardiff, Dubbo, Campbelltown, and Albury. Please contact Kate Scholl kate.scholl@vinnies.org.au if you are interested or would like to know more.