Centacare Evolve Housing’s Brighton Christmas Block Party was held at the Brighton Civic Centre late last year. Over 1800 people from the Brighton com­munity attended the holiday event with 40 organisations coming together to run stalls, volunteer, and celebrate the holiday season.

The event focused on providing free family fun and community connection for all ages. High­lights included Tommy Choo Choo rides, face painting, arts and crafts, the Tasmanian Fire Service, food vans, and local musicians and choirs. The jumping castle and Social Cir­cus were fan favourites along with an opportunity to have a photo with Santa.

This was Centacare Evolve Housing’s second annual Christmas Block Party with the event growing in size and success thanks to the support of community partners, without whom the event would not be possible. “The success of the Block Party is the result of a huge collaborative effort. We have an amazing community and we are proud to have been able to bring so many people and services together to cele­brate Christmas” said Centa­care Evolve Housing Communi­ty Wellbeing Officer, Elise.

Six lucky families won a Christmas lucky door hamper, with a first prize voucher from Pennicott Wilderness Jour­neys valued at $310 going to a Gagebrook resident. Collabora­tion with Tasmanian business and local contributors helped spread the Christmas cheer further this year. “We are proud to have hosted another community Christmas event on this scale,” said Elise. “We had a line around the block to get in and smiling faces all day round.”

The Brighton Christmas Block Party is Centacare Evolve Housing’s biggest event on the calendar each year. It is held in the last weekend in Novem­ber to welcome everyone into the festive season. Centacare Evolve Housing wishes to thank all those who attended and their community partners.