Setup is Friday 8th November with the Party on Saturday 9th November

The aim of the Children's Christmas Party is to provide 1,200 children from all over the Mackay region from as far north as Bowen, down to Koumala and inland to Clermont and all the points in between with a day they will never forget.

The children invited, are children who may have one or more of the following: serious illnesses, a physical and/or intellectual disability and complex needs. The Party is not open to the public and children are invited personally through schools, mainstream and private, charities and care providers. 

We put on a free day including lunch, drinks, fruit, lollies, ice creams and chips and a three hour live stage show. Other entertainment for the children includes face painting, rides, interactive displays and much more. Of course no Christmas party is complete without Santa Claus! Each child will receive at least three high quality presents. 

This is the 31st anniversary of the Party and we want to make it one of the best day's ever for the children. 

This year's Party will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds, 24 Milton Street in the Multi Purpose Pavilion.

About Volunteering for the Party: 

• Your role for the day will be assigned prior to arrival. 
• We encourage you to be flexible and exercise initiative during the busy 4 hours of this event. 
• We appreciate, value and depend heavily on all volunteers turning up on the day. 

Your responsibilities as a volunteer 

• You must wear your Christmas Party T-shirt, name badge at all times. 
• All volunteers must report to the Volunteer Registration point to sign in from 9am Friday or 8am Saturday. 
• All volunteers use the check in app provided or sign in that morning. 
• We welcome your feedback, suggestions and recommendations as a result of your volunteer experience. Please provide comments to [email protected] 
• Please assist us to provide a safe, welcome and happy environment for all of our guests. 
• Please wear sensible, closed in shoes (no thongs or sandals). 
• Keep yourself hydrated. 
• Please do not use your mobile phone while on duty unless in an emergency. 
• Smokers/Vapers, for the parents there will be a designated area however we ask that you have your cigarette break out of view of the public. Please keep the area clean and tidy and use the ashtrays provided. 
• It is advisable not to bring valuables to the event as we don’t provide lockers. 
• Please do not ask for any left over toys, these are distributed to other organisations and hospitals. 
• The Party finishes at 1pm, it will only take 30 - 40 minutes to clean up if everyone stays! 

COVID Safe

Because of the recent pandemic, we are governed by restrictions to maintain the health and safety of our guests. Participants are reminded to stay home if unwell.

Blue Card

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our invited guests and highly recommend, that as a volunteer, you apply for a Blue Card. It is free to apply for a Blue Card as a volunteer, more information and application can be found here: Blue Card Application

It is not mandatory, but it is preferred.

VOLUNTEERING AT THE SETUP
Friday 8th November
Multi-Purpose Pavilion
Mackay Showgrounds 24 Milton St, North Mackay

We require a number of volunteers to assist the day before the party with the following tasks:

Unpack, set up & display the children's gifts in the Toy Room
Decoration of Toy Room and Santa’s Area
Infrastructure Set Up - trestle tables, chairs, signage etc
Unloading deliveries of food and other goods

Volunteers will be required from 9:00 am - 9:30am for sign in for a 9:45am start. Finishing time is dependent on the number of volunteers and tasks to be completed. Lunch will be provided. We will try to contain this component to 4 - 6 hours.