The region’s biggest Christmas Morning Tea will return to Hamlyn Heights next week with food, music, activities and a visit from the jolly man himself.
Vines Road Community Centre will host the free community celebration, with people across the region invited to come along and connect with others.
Executive officer Sally-Ann Muller said the event was in its fifth year and that it was “getting bigger and better every year”.
“People are so isolated these days, and this is a way to combat isolation and bring people together for a good party,” she said.
“This is a chance for us to bring the community together and…we also use the occasion to celebrate our volunteers and give them a gift.
“It’s a free community event, and it’s designed to mark the end of the year and create opportunities for genuine connections with our community.
“We’re going to have complimentary catering, live music, lucky door prizes for both kids and adults, a couple of pop-up stalls and a visit from Santa, who will be handing out lollies.”
The Christmas Morning Tea event will be held from 10.30am to noon on Wednesday 17 December, with a grant from City of Greater Geelong helping fund the event.
Ms Muller said another benefit of the event was to show the community what programs and classes were held at the centre, with more than 60 programs available next year.
“That way we can promote connection and togetherness, and most of our programs are either free or very cheap,” she said.
“People come in, and they can see what’s happening, and they can look to the new year and consider trying out a new class.”
