The much-loved Christmas in Patton Park event is back on track, thanks to a pivotal meeting between the Broken Hill City Council and South Village Association (SVA) Chair, Ali Couch. The Council unanimously agreed Wednesday night to offer administrative, financial, and in-kind support to the annual festive event.
“It was essential that this event continued. It is so important to Broken Hill. We don’t want any of these types of events to stop. We’re 100% behind all these events and we will do what we can. We can’t always help financially—but we will almost always offer in-kind support,” Deputy Mayor Jim Hickey told the Truth.
With the Council’s guarantee of support, Christmas in the Park is set to take place at Patton Park on December 9, from 4pm. to 8pm The SVA is delighted that the event will now go ahead.
“Ecstatic, cancelling the event was heartbreaking for the community and our committee. The support we received at, and following, our meeting with Council on Tuesday has not only enabled us to commit to delivering the event, but it has also given the committee a renewed sense of energy,” SVA Chair Ali Couch told the Barrier Truth.
The decision came after Mayor Kennedy and Deputy Mayor Hickey sat down with Ms. Couch earlier this week to discuss concerns and challenges faced by the SVA in organising the event.
“The SVA were a bit frustrated around some aspects of the application process, and I think part of that frustration was because they need more volunteers to assist them. The Committee members do a great job in providing events for the South, but they really do need some more helping hands to ensure this event can continue into the future,” Mayor Kennedy said.
Despite the meeting’s positive outcome, it highlighted an ongoing issue: the need for more volunteers. The SVA Committee, although dedicated, requires additional helping hands to ensure the event’s continuity.
“Anyone with passion and even the smallest amount of time can contribute to South Village. Our goal for Christmas in the Park is for the community to have lots of fun, safely. Christmas volunteers can assist during set-up and pack-up, as there is a lot of equipment to get in and out of the park,” Ms. Couch said.
Those interested in volunteering or who would like to know more about joining the South Village Association are encouraged to contact the SVA at [email protected].
In Mayor Kennedy’s words, “every bit of support makes a difference,” and the community is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to celebrate another special Christmas in Patton Park for years to come.
