After a forced hiatus through the COVID-19 pandemic, Sydney’s Wayside Chapel once again hosted its annual Christmas lunch and street party in Kings Cross.
Key points:
- Wayside Chapel pastor Jon Owen says the street party is all about community
- Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was among the volunteers serving lunch
- Last Christmas many people were in COVID isolation or in queues waiting for PCR tests
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was among the volunteers who served up a free three-course lunch to vulnerable members of the community, including those experiencing homelessness.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Sydney MP Alex Greenwich also made an appearance at the event which has been running for more than 40 years.
“Whilst for many people today it’s a great day of celebration, there are many people across our state who are doing it tough”, Mr Perrottet said.
“Christmas is ultimately all about love, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing here today.”
Chapel pastor Jon Owen said the day was about more than putting food on the table.
“It’s really about having a community to celebrate with you,” he said.
Attendee Stephen Riley said he was grateful to Wayside for helping him when he was most in need.
“I came here 33 years ago when I was homeless,” he said.
“They do a very good job. Without them, I’d be nothing.”
He said Christmas at the street party was the best day of the year for him.
“I meet people and see friends I haven’t seen all year. It puts joy and happiness in my heart.”
‘This is a dream’
Thousands have flocked to beaches across Sydney as temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s in parts of Greater Sydney.
Soaring COVID-19 cases during last year’s Christmas period kept many people at home in isolation, or waiting in long queues for PCR tests.
At Coogee in the city’s east, picnickers and beachgoers armed with rugs, BBQs, speakers and drinks were settling in for a long afternoon in the sunshine.
A popular spot for locals and tourists, the warmer weather was a welcome relief after an unusually chilly start to December.
The Emerald City’s maximums were the lowest in four years. The mean temperatures, which includes the minimums, were the coldest since 2003 and the city failed to reach 30C for the first time in three decades.
Spring was also the wettest on record for much of south-east Australia.
A beachgoer visiting from Ireland told the ABC the sun was a welcome relief.
“Last Christmas we got COVID on the 24th of December, so it was pretty grim,” he said.
“It’s nice to be here. [We’re having] a few beers on the beach, just taking it easy.”
Another tourist described the beach as an ideal backdrop to celebrate a family Christmas.
“The weather is shining, gonna go for a little swim, a couple of beers and let the kids run wild,” he said.
“This is a dream, this is why we’re over here.”
Temperatures in the high 20s are expected to continue in coming days and with crowds heading to the beaches and waterways, NSW Police and Surf Life Saving NSW are urging holiday-makers to keep safe.
Sydney can expect the temperature to hit 29 degrees on Boxing Day, with parts in Greater Sydney to reach the mid-30s.
The forecast is welcome news for fans of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, with thousands expected to line the foreshore to watch more than 100 yachts set sail from Circular Quay at 1pm.
Over the next few days crews will battle for 628 nautical miles to be first to reach the Tasmanian capital.
Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club Arthur Lane says this is the first race since the pandemic to not have crowd restrictions.
“We should have a really great afternoon for everyone. For obviously the sailors and certainly for the spectators,” he said.
“Seeing 109 boats making their way to get to the heads will be really very exciting for every sailor or anyone who knows about sailing.”
Fans can watch the race from popular vantage points at Manly, Mosman, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay.