City of Mount Gambier Citizen of the Year
City of Mount Gambier Senior Citizen of the Year
In 2009 local man Leigh Marcus hosted the first Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch at St Martin’s Lutheran Church Hall with 75 people in attendance.
In the years since, several volunteers including Heidi Bates, Liz Rymill, Kevin Douglas and current organiser Vicki Clark have led and facilitated the Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch.
“We have a wonderful group of volunteers who give up their own Christmas celebrations to support those less fortunate each year,” Vicki said.
The lunch is held annually on Christmas Day at City Hall.
Attendees are provided with a free, three course Christmas lunch along with entertainment and a gift bag of items donated by local community members and businesses.
“The lunch is provided in an inclusive, safe environment to ensure everyone in our community gets the chance to enjoy a Christmas lunch which they may not have otherwise been able to do,” Vicki said.
“We all know everyone needs a helping hand now and then, and that’s why we do what we do.
“It’s a very humbling event to be involved with and we are very grateful to have the opportunity to support our community in this way.
“Christmas is a very hard time for a lot of vulnerable people and if we can take their mind off their woes for a few hours, our job is done.”
A bus is provided for those who do not have transport, and taxis for those with disabilities to ensure no-one misses out on attending.
In 2023, the lunch was attended by 170 guests, with approximately 30 takeaway meals provided for those who were not comfortable in a group environment.
Vicki said attendees came from all walks of life and from all parts of the community.
“They include people who are vulnerable, lonely or homeless, as well as refugee families who have relocated, or just people who want to share Christmas with others,” she said.
“Over the years we have also had travellers pop in because they had nowhere else to go.”
Vicki attributes the generosity of the local community to the success of the event.
“This event could not go ahead without the generous donations provided by the business community,” she said.
“We also engage the broader community by asking them to donate personal packs for the gift bags. Last year the local community donated 150 personal packs delivered to drop off points in Mount Gambier.
“Last year the gift bags for adults contained a hand towel, a personal pack containing toiletries, vouchers, chocolates and a book.”
The committee of eight also purchases about 30 toys each year to ensure each child in attendance receives a gift appropriate for their age.
“We had 28 children at the event last year and they each received a bag that contained a soft rug, stuffed rabbit, vouchers, a book, chocolate and lollies,” Vicki said.
“We engage with local schools to support the lunch which gives younger members of our community an understanding of the importance of the event. St Martins Lutheran College provides hand drawn placemats for each attendee and Tenison Woods College makes lolly bags.”
Vicki said the many personal stories attendees shared makes the community effort worthwhile.
“Late last year we received a message from a lady who asked how she could donate to the lunch,” she said.
“I called her back and she said she had attended the previous year’s lunch as a guest with her three children after fleeing to Mount Gambier as a result of domestic violence.
“She said she walked in with her children, all a little scared because they knew no-one, but they were welcomed with open arms by the volunteers. It was a wonderful day for her and her children, and one they had never expected to have.
“She also said her life had since turned around and she wanted to donate some money to help others and that she would never forget that day. When I checked our bank account, she had deposited $200, it brought tears to my eyes.”
