Marcel Ceniza, Jan Frikken organise Batemans Bay Christmas lunch after Salvation Army can 20 year tradition

A major Australian charity’s decision to can their annual south coast Christmas lunch after 20 years has prompted two friends to take the festive matters into their own hands.

Marcel Ceniza (left) and Jan Frikken (right) are organising a Christmas lunch. Picture: Supplied

The revelation a major Australian charity has canned their annual NSW south coast Christmas lunch after 20 years has prompted two friends to organise their own public event fuelled by the belief that “no one should spend Christmas alone”.

Christmas can be a lonely day for many Australians, like Marcel Ceniza from Batemans Bay, who lost her husband three years ago.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of family and friends who I spend time with on Christmas, but a lot of people don’t have this,” she told this publication.

“It can be a very lonely time for some and no one should spend Christmas alone.”

The Salvation Army has held a public Christmas lunch in the coastal town 280km south of Sydney for two decades for people in Ms Ceniza’s position, however, the annual lunch has officially been given the boot.

The lunch will begin at noon. (File picture)

“A lot of people rely on this lunch,” Ms Ceniza said.

“Without it, they will really struggle on Christmas.”

The lunch will be held at Batemans Bay's Starfish Deli. Picture: Supplied

Salvation Army external communications manager Gary Masters confirmed their annual Christmas lunch was not continuing this year.

“While there are still lots of people willing to volunteer on the day, the lack of organisational capacity has impacted planning this year,” he told this publication.

“As a result, a decision was made to not host the event in 2024.”

The Salvation Army will instead hold a church service in the coastal town on the day, commencing at 9am.

Mr Masters said this would likely be the Salvation Army’s new tradition in Batemans Bay.

“The Salvation Army looks forward to working with the organisers of the new event in 2025 and supporting them in their efforts to bring some joy to those who are alone at Christmas,” he said.

Ms Ceniza and friend Jan Frikken have now organised their own public Christmas lunch for all who need company on December 25 to ensure those who relied on the Salvation Army’s event did not spend this year alone.

The lunch, commencing at 12pm, is supported by community groups Eurobodalla Multicultural Group, Caring Corner and the Batemans Bay Dinner Group.

Ms Ceniza said the lunch would be held at the Starfish Deli’s outdoor dining area in the Batemans Bay CBD and expects upwards of 50 people to attend.

She said the lunch would feature marinated beef skewers, roast pork and veggies, salad, prawns and more.

“We’ve had so many volunteers come forward to donate money, food and even volunteer their time to help cook, serve and so much more on the day,” Ms Ceniza said.

“The community has really come together to help make Christmas an enjoyable day for everyone.”

Co-organiser Ms Frikken said she was grateful for all who had donated.

“Christmas is about coming together and having a good time; we want to make sure everyone has that opportunity this year,” Ms Ceniza said.

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