Christmas lunch cancelled

Organisers of the annual community Christmas day lunch have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event because of COVID regulations.

Luncheon co-ordinator Peter Cusden and secretary Marion Byrne come together every year with a band of volunteers to host a lunch for people who are alone on Christmas day.

The luncheon began 14 years ago by a group of volunteers and combined churches in the Warragul area.

In recent years, up to 100 people have come together on Christmas day to enjoy a traditional festive lunch and enjoy each other’s company.

Marion said it was a really difficult decision to cancel this year’s lunch and they were upset they couldn’t provide the lunch.

She said many of the regulars looked forward to catching up each year and sharing the festive spirit together rather than being on their own.

Each year Peter and Marion recruit about 20 volunteers to serve cook and serve the lunch on Christmas day and about 30 volunteers who help the day before with cooking and setting up.

The luncheon is held at the Uniting Church, Warragul.

Marion said current restrictions on gatherings and regulations with social distance and sanitising made it very difficult to host a community catered event.

“We are very upset and disappointed, but we have a responsibility to do the right thing.

“We don’t want our volunteers or the people who may attend to become unwell or place them in any unnecessary danger,” she said.

Marion said she hoped people would find someone to share and celebrate Christmas with this year.

Organisers are looking forward to working with volunteers again next year to serve up another Christmas lunch.