Christmas in July brings holiday cheer to Benalla Community Hub
Yooralla's Benalla Community Hub was transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland to celebrate Christmas in July with friends and family.
Our Benalla Community Hub, along with friends and family from the Mansfield and Wangaratta Community Hubs, celebrated Christmas in July last week with a heartwarming and festive gathering. The event was filled with joy, laughter and a true sense of community connection and social inclusion.
Yooralla’s Benalla Community Hub was transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations and a delicious holiday feast. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together, catching up with friends and family and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Clients were actively involved in brainstorming ideas for the event and spent weeks creating decorations. Benalla clients helped set up the tables and excitedly donned their best Christmas outfits. "I had really great fun putting the Christmas pictures up for today. I love seeing everyone together," shared client Bec.
Client April shared similar thoughts, sharing “it’s very festive. I love the decorations. I really liked setting the tables.”
A holiday feast to remember
The preparation for this grand day was a true team effort. Clients decided on the menu for the day, making sure everyone’s dietary preferences were considered. Some of the delicious food was even made by clients in the Benalla Hub cooking program.
Forty-five clients, family members and carers came together to enjoy the holiday feast, which featured slow-cooked lamb, roast chicken, baked potatoes, lactose-free mash, peas and corn, vegetarian spinach and ricotta pasta, vegan dahl with rice and a refreshing rocket, haloumi, and pomegranate salad. To top it off, pavlova, cheesecake and jelly were brought by the Mansfield Hub, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Client Ricky most enjoyed sharing the meal with his family and friends, sharing “it’s very nice here. I am loving everyone being here together.”
“I really like the food and sharing time with my sister. It's good to meet everyone else from the other hubs,” added client Jenny J.
Santa spreads the holiday magic
The highlight of the event was Santa's arrival! Santa spread cheer by giving hugs and prizes to the best-dressed clients, Jenna and Luke.
"I really like coming to Benalla to see everyone. It has brightened my day," said client Sonya, reflecting the joy Santa's visit brought.
Yooralla staff reflections
This celebration was a testament to the vibrant community spirit of our Hubs. Yooralla staff expressed pride in the teamwork and the joy of seeing clients so happy and engaged. "I loved how we came together as a team and just got stuff done," said Helen, while Suzanne from Mansfield Hub added, "the decorations and food were lovely. We enjoyed catching up with everyone from Benalla and Wangaratta Community Hubs. Thanks again for a great day."
"I’m so proud of the team. It was fantastic to see the clients so happy. And they are still talking about it!" said Claire, Service Manager.
Our Community Hubs continue to be a place where inclusivity and friendship thrive, providing a welcoming environment for all people with disability. As staff member Sue beautifully put it, "I can't thank everyone enough for being so welcoming. The food was absolutely beautiful and well prepared. It was lovely to see the participants helping each other and enjoying each other's company!"
Brad said it was the “best day at work I’ve had yet!”
Interested in joining one of our Community Hubs?
Yooralla's Community Hubs are designed for adults with disability who wish to participate in educational, recreational, creative, social or workplace skills activities. Located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, our Community Hubs offer in-person and online participation. Join us and be part of a community that celebrates inclusivity and joy!