The Goulburn Options Participant Christmas Party, held on Thursday, December 18, was a time of reflection and celebration.
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Contributed
The Goulburn Options community has had a jam-packed several weeks of celebrations leading up to Christmas.
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Celebrations began early in December, when Goulburn Options volunteers were recognised with a Volunteer Christmas Dinner, which spotlighted the hard work of the GO Again Op Shop team.
Throughout the month, many of the programs celebrated Christmas with lunches and crafts, and the GO Radio Show Christmas Party, held on Wednesday, December 17, as well as the annual Participant Christmas Party, held the following day, got the participants well and truly into the Christmas spirit.
The Goulburn Options team members celebrate their handiwork, smiling beside their festive trees on display along Station St.
Photo by
Billie Davern
“In the lead-up to Christmastime, GO always makes sure to celebrate every branch of our community,” team leader Grace Coppinger said.
“Throughout December, many of our programs celebrate Christmas and the end of the year individually, going out for group lunches, shopping for family and friends, and spreading the cheer by crafting decorations and presents to be displayed and shared at GO sites and in the community.
“Our Participant Christmas Party happened yesterday, attended by participants and their families and carers — we had a delicious lunch produced by our cooking group, a visit from Santa and Mr Whippy, and our drama group premiered two short films they'd made during the year: Oz Goes Wild and The Grinch.”
Rosie S with her festive Christmas tree.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The team has also spread the festive cheer with the broader Seymour community through its Christmas trees, which are crafted and painted by participants and displayed along Station St, as well as through the Christmas edition of its radio show, which featured a special guest appearance from Santa.
Celebrations aside, Ms Coppinger said this time of year was also one of reflection.
The GO Radio Show Christmas Party was a hit, with a special visit from the man in the red suit himself.
Photo by
Billie Davern
“For participants, it’s a real chance to look back on their achievements of the last 12 months,” she said.
“Our services are based entirely around participant goals achievement and skill building, and the end of the year marks a huge milestone.
“We’ve had participants this year move into their own homes, find employment, have solo art shows, win awards, make new friends and join community groups. Our Christmastime celebrations get everyone in the same room to share and celebrate these successes.”
Leonie N with her bright green Christmas tree.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Ms Coppinger added that these festive events and times of looking back were made all the more special by the support of the Seymour community throughout the year.
“As always, Goulburn Options functions as a direct result of the support of our community,” she said.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, families and carers, staff and volunteers. We thank all the community groups and local businesses who have been a part of our story this year, supporting our mission and lifting us up.
“Our goal is for each participant to live their Biggest Life Possible, and it’s thanks to our community that we’re able to achieve that. We wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and can’t wait to do it all again in 2026.”
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