The best Christmas cheer for Collie residents

Collie locals in southwest WA are warming up their voice boxes ready for the annual Carols in the Park festive extravaganza, with Premier Coal (ASX: YAL) proud to be the major sponsor of the event after a donation of $4,200 towards the free community event.

Over 1,000 locals are expected to join in on December 8 from 4pm, when the Combined Churches of Collie will host the family-friendly event at the Bendigo Bank Music Shell in Central Park.

All the funds raised from the BBQ will be donated to YouthCare who employ the local schools’ chaplains.

The YouthCare chaplains are vital in our community as they provide emotional and mental support to students, staff and parents at the local primary and high schools.

Premier Coal operations manager Braedon Gaske says the mine site is pleased to be the major sponsor.

“Christmas is a lovely time of year where you can pause, reflect, and spend quality time with your loved ones,” he said.

“We are proud our funding ensures the wonderful Carols in the Park event can go ahead for the benefit of everyone in our community.

“We hope everyone attends and has a lovely experience, singing carols and enjoying time together.”

The donation was part of the Premier Coal Community Support Program, which is funded by Yancoal and aims to make a positive difference in the local community and to the lives of the people who work and live in Collie.

Carol singing kicks off from 6pm.

There will be a kid’s corner where children can get creative doing craft and have their face painted and the community choir will sing harmonious carols, getting everyone in the festive spirit.

The event will also have a sausage sizzle and refreshments, and everyone can snuggle up and watch a heartwarming Christmas movie to complete a lovely merry evening.

The Collie Church of Christ events team member Tamara Vening says she is pleased with the funding support.

“Last year’s event was a huge success, and we hope this year is even better,” she said.

“There will be choir singers, face painters, craft stalls, performances by talented primary school students and plenty of Christmas cheer.

“We are expecting over 1,000 people to come along and join in the activities, it’s the only event of its kind in the region so very popular with locals.

“Carols in the Park is run purely by volunteers, so we are very appreciative of Premier Coal’s donation to help make the event happen,” said Tamara.

Since 2004, Yancoal has grown to be one of Australia’s largest coal exporters: owning or operating eight producing mines across the country; employing around 5,000 Australians; contributing to the national economy; and investing in regional communities.