EMBRACE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
SANTA will be dropping into the Gold Coast’s biggest Christmas Carols in a most spectacular fashion today – but how exactly will remain a mystery.
More than 9000 spectators will flood the inaugural Mayor’s Christmas Carols at the southern end of Broadwater Parklands today to take part in a night of festive fun.
Kate Ceberano and Anthony Callea will headline the event and wow the audience with a wide range of Christmas carols, which kick off at 5pm.
Children’s events, including a snow dome and the purchase of glow products, will be available at 2pm, with fireworks closing the night at 8.50pm.
Mayor Tom Tate said the Carols were the premier event of the Coast.
“In recent years, we have achieved crowds of 9500,” he said.
“The weather forecast is looking great, so we hope to break the 10,000 barrier. Our line-up is incredible so I hope everyone gets along to sing their favourite Christmas carol.”
Mayor Tate said there would be fundraising for two charities and urged those attending to bring some gold coins. Entry is free. SHAYLA BULLOCH AND SOPHIE CHIRGWIN
A FUNERAL vehicle driver who left the body of a baby on the roof of his van and drove off says he is “shattered’’ by the incident.
The infant’s corpse was found on the roadside by workers on the Sunshine Coast after falling from the vehicle while being taken from Rockhampton to a morgue in Brisbane.
Richard Bertrand and another driver had transferred bodies between vehicles bound for different locations during a stop at Eumundi on Wednesday and he did not realise the baby was missing until he arrived in Brisbane.
“I’m shattered and my thoughts go out to the family involved,” he said last night.
“I’m totally embarrassed by the whole situation. It has knocked me around.”
The baby’s family was notified of the incident by Queens- land Health and were too distraught to comment.
Queensland Health has suspended the licence of Mr Bertrand’s firm, Queensland Funeral Transfers, while an investigation is carried out.
The infant’s family have been notified and been apologised to. The contractor’s licence has been suspended.
Police charges are not expected to be laid.
Mr Bertrand, who lives in Gracemere near Rockhampton, said he was under strain as his home town was being evacuated due to bushfires.
“Wednesday was a very traumatic day for everyone in Gracemere,” he said.
“I was under a lot of pressure that day and I made a horrible mistake later on.”
Rockhampton police Detective Darrin Shadlow said all pathology was currently being sent to the John Tonge Centre in Brisbane as Rockhampton’s pathologist was on sick leave.