Covid and bushfires begone: Sun’s out for Sydneysiders to celebrate a glorious traditional Christmas
Sydneysiders finally put Covid and the bushfires behind them to celebrate a traditional hot Aussie Christmas. And there’s more good holiday weather news on the way.
NSW
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So this is Christmas and at last Sydney has turned on the sparkler of a day we have all been waiting for.
After three crisis-laden December 25s in a row – dogged by horror bushfires and then two years of Covid – Sydney reminded the world why it is the best spot on the planet to spend a hot summer Christmas Day.
And it does not stop there – it is a full week in paradise ahead with the weather gods happily kicking La Nina and the cloudy skies into January.
True to form, Sydneysiders were quick to join the party. By lunchtime the last wisps of cloud had cleared and from the beaches to the river, from one bedroom apartments to parks in the suburbs, Sydney showed she still knows how to put on one hell of a Christmas Day.
Volunteer Surf Lifesavers were out in force at beaches up and down the NSW coast. At North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club Katie Wenmohs was rejoicing that her daughter Lillian, 11, had finally been able to put Covid behind her and return to nippers.
“We’re celebrating with Christmas lunch – and hopefully Santa comes, and we’ll be at Bondi for the rest of the day,” she said.
Emma Carmody was also enjoying the sun and surf at Bondi with husband Robert, and sons Bart, 10, and Fred, 15.
“We are going to the beach for a swim, perhaps do a biathlon with my husband. And then we’re going to family lunch for Christmas in Kogarah Bay,” she said.
Thousands attended Christmas services at churches across the city while The Reverend Bill Crews Foundation offered Christmas lunch for more than 4,000 poor and needy Sydneysiders for the 37th year running.
“Cost of living pressures have made this Christmas even more of a struggle than usual for many Sydneysiders,” Foundation chief executive Rev. Bill Crews said.
“We’ve seen a sharp rise in demand from people who simply can’t make ends meet this season.”
Of course, with a state election looming next year, the pollies were also out to see if a little of the Christmas magic would rub off on them.
On hand to help with the lunches were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Labor leader Chris Minns.
Mr Albanese thanked the volunteers and said the lunch represented the spirit of Christmas in action before thanking all those working yesterday.
“I say to those in our police and emergency services, our ambos, people working in the health system – thank you for giving up your Christmas Day in the service of others as well.,” he said.
“And to our Australian Defence Force, whether they’re serving here in Australia or overseas, your sacrifice in the interests of the security of our nation is recognised, and I pay tribute to you and to your families.”
Mr Minns also thanked those working and volunteering on Christmas Day before remembering those who have suffered in the NSW floods.
“A final big shout-out to everybody who’s out of their homes because of flooding or bushfires this year. I hope this year is as good as it can be and that next year you’re in your home to celebrate Christmas with your family and your friends,” he said.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and his daughter Amelia attended the Wayside Chapel’s annual street party in King’s Cross and thanked the volunteers who were feeding hundreds including the homeless.
“Whilst for many people today it’s a great day of celebration, there are many people across our state who are doing it tough,” he said.
“Many people who are less fortunate are going through a difficult time.”
The Premier said it was a brief respite from Christmas in the Perrottet home, which was “chaotic”.
“(It was) chaotic, early, too early and we are off to family event after family event,” he said.
Wayside Chapel chief executive Reverend Jon Owen said homelessness and food security were increasing with cost of living pressures.
He said the work to support the homeless did not stop “when the tinsel and tree comes down”, and urged Australians to keep donating to support the vulnerable in the community.
But across the city yesterday the Sydney sun shone down on everyone. Backyards sounded to the traditional thwack of willow on a tennis ball as cricket fans’ thoughts turned to the week ahead and the Boxing Day test.
The promise of a sensational week of sunshine will not be enough to deter many others from forgoing the beach for the Boxing Day sales.
And today thousands of people are expected to line vantage points around the Harbour to catch a glimpse of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race competitors.
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Murray Reynolds, urged people to use public transport to get to vantage points to watch the start of the race on what promised to be a “spectacular day” on Sydney Harbour.
“There are plenty of great spectator locations along the foreshore, including Bradleys Head, Chowder Bay, Georges Heights and Middle Head to the west; Shark Island, Steele Point, Vaucluse Point, South Head and The Gap to the east; and North Head,” he said.
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