Published on Tuesday, 16 December 2014 at 12:00:00 AM
Onslow celebrated Christmas festivities on Saturday 6 December kicking off with a vibrant float parade touring the town centre in true Onlsow spirit.
Over 400 people attended the event, with 18 float parade entries, while dancing, singing and music performed by the local children entertained the crowd.
Children were delighted to receive gifts from Santa and enjoyed a variety of activities including facepainting and creative tatoos, writing a letter to Santa, playing in the snow tent or on the bouncy castle.
Residents were treated to roast chicken rolls, salad, pavlova and cupcakes by Bonnie’s Catering and the Shire sponsored free icecream by Just Lickit Icecream.
Shire President Kerry White said it was a great turn out which shows the support of local businesses, community groups and residents. “Their willingness to get involved creates fantastic opportunities for the kids and families of Onslow,” she said.
While the Christmas festivities were the primary focus of the event, the Shire saw the occasion as a great opportunity for the broader community to acknowledge the impact of VSwans, Daniel and Emily Munday, who helped the kids enjoy active learning outside the classroom over the past four years. The kids prepared a video tribute featuring each one of them talking about their favourite memories of these two special people.
Another highlight of the event was the performance by local students with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. WASO were delighted that the students participating in the OK ME! (Onslow Kids Music Education Program) were able to show their families what they had learned throughout the year.
WASO Workshop facilitator Paul Tanner said the performance had given the kids a great sense of excitement and something to aim for, and that there was a buzz in the air during lessons throughout the week. “I am really chuffed that the kids could participate in the end of year concert – thank you for giving them this opportunity to show the community what they have been learning. What an achievement! We are very proud of them.”
The winners of the float parade were Santa’s letters, which featured a series of walking letters and the North Pole post box. Dice Electrics came second with a Gingerbread house float complete with giant lollipops for onslookers. True to the Hansel & Gretal nursery, a Christmas star and fairy gave away parts of the gingerbread house.
Third place went to Onslow Volunteer Marine Rescue sparkly boat and a special mention to the The Sunny Sun Chalets float for bringing brightness to the parade with ‘Little rays of Sunshine’.
Dawn McAullay and Irene Barker were delighted to receive first prize for the Christmas Lights competition in commending their creative display at the Onslow Goods Shed Museum.
Chevron Australia Community Engagement Advisor Sam Rigg said the Christmas celebration was an amazing community effort that Wheatstone was proud to support. “It was a fantastic way to end the year and we were very proud to see the impact our long-term partners Dan and Emily from the V Swans have made on the community, as well as the excitement and fun of kids performing through our new partnership with WASO at the school.”
Shire President Kerry White said it was great to see the community celebrate together and flourish with Onslow community spirit.
“Events don’t happen so well without the support of many local businesses, including Onsite Hire who provided the lighting and generators and Chevron for their sponsorship. A big thank you to the Community Services team from the Shire of Ashburton who did an excellent job in organising the event, a day which was enjoyed by all and an example of Council’s commitment to encouraging community inclusion and participation.”
Winners of the float parade, Santa’s letters
Dawn McAullay and Irene Barker were delighted to receive first prize for the Christmas Lights competition for their creative display at the Onslow Goods Shed Museum
Back to All News