Councillor Miranda Korzy has sent in some wonderful photos from each event and shares they were just brilliant and a great get together for community as we head into the last two weeks before everyone exhales on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the peaceful lull prior to New Years.
Councillor Korzy was joined at the Carols at the Beach by fellow Councillor Michael Gencher and Pittwater MP Rory Amon - all out to spread good cheer in the community and wish you all a very Merry Christmas - and a brilliant New Year!
left to right: Cr. Gencher, Pittwater M Rory Amon, Cr. Korzy and Vice president of Avalon Beach SLSC Richard Cole
At Avalon Beach there was dancing and the legendary Joy Yates and the Jubilation Choir performing. At Mona Vale the 'Grinch' dropped by but could not stop the singing, dancing and smiles on every face.
ABSLSC President Bernadette McKay said;
''Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club is proud to once again host the McGrath Pittwater Carols at the Beach. The Surf Club is an essential and integral part of the Australian summer, and our volunteers commit their time and skills across the season to ensure that all beachgoers enjoy their day and return home safely to their loved ones.
Our volunteers have turned their attention and have been working hard to deliver a night of fun and festive spirit, so that you can enjoy your time with family and friends before the mad headlong rush into Christmas. It is our way of saying thank you to our community that continues to support us in delivering the services we provide.
So please join us in a family-friendly event on the lawn and hill south of the surf club for a night of remarkable performances from local talent and the energy of Katapult dance studio to be followed by the headline act JUBILATION singers to entertain and lead us in singing some favourite Christmas carols - no matter your ability. There will also be great food, special visits from our much loved characters and the man of the season Santa, with the night ending with spectacular fireworks display over the beach, all within the peaceful atmosphere set against the breath-taking backdrop of Avalon Beach.
Carols at the Beach would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and event partners, and we thank them for providing funding to support this event and their overall support of the Club.
It is an amazing accomplishment that such an event can be run so professionally when organised, set up and run entirely by volunteers. A very big shout- out to Leonie Poot Lindenbergh , our new Carols Event Project Lead, for her leadership and enthusiasm to become involved; Volker Klemm, the Club’s event manger – he started this event over 7 years ago and laid the groundwork that we continue to leverage from; Sarah Payne who implemented the run sheets and timelines to make this event run so smoothly; Terry Barber who is the set up and pack up coordinator, risk assessor and site manager; Alan Moran who coordinates the stage set up, audio and performer management; and the collective energy of over 100 Avalon Beach SLSC lifesavers, members, nipper parents, SRC kids and friends of the Club who have all worked incredibly hard to bring this event to the community.
We would love to continue to welcome our community into our Club either through participation in community classes or by coming to have a drink at the bar and enjoy the view from the verandah on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons; and to consider us as a venue for your next celebration. For those who would like to join us as active patrolling members, our training team is ready to share their expertise with you, and our patrol teams are ready to welcome you onto the beach.
We want to thank all our local businesses who have generously provided products and services to support our Silent Auction and our community who have made bids. The auction site is live up until 7:30pm on the 9th December so get in early and continue to follow the bids for some of your preferred items. Carols at the Beach is a Club fundraising event, and if you have bid or donated, you are also our supporter so thank you. On behalf of all Club members, thank you for coming to Carols at the Beach, and I hope you enjoy the evening and wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.''
Despite the heat and then blast of cooler air with a storm change at Narrabeen, about 2,500 people were at Carols at the Beach and around 1,000 at Mona Vale's Carols in the Park enjoyed old favourite Carols along with some to get those toes tapping.
The big man in red also visited both Carols, leaving the elves and Mrs. Claus to carry on putting together everything that needs to be done by Christmas Eve.
Some pictures, courtesy of Cr. Korzy + one from Adriaan van der Wallen of the fireworks at Avalon Beach to close their 2023 edition of Carols at the Beach.
At Avalon Beach SLSC's Carols at The Beach:
