Community Support Service Holiday Program brings joy to the Maranoa

Published on 19 December 2025

Community Support Service Holiday Program brings joy to the Maranoa

The Maranoa has been filled with togetherness and festive spirit over the past weeks with the implementation of the Community Support Service Holiday Program.

The program is a special addition to the Maranoa’s Christmas festivities, bringing the Maranoa community together to celebrate Christmas through an array of events and initiatives.

The events and initiatives included:

• The Christmas Hamper Appeal: The Christmas Hamper Appeal, held throughout November and December showcased the Maranoa community’s generosity and festive cheer. The appeal resulted in having 336 hampers, 250 of those which were individually packed toys, distributed to residents throughout the Maranoa. Thank you to the events Sponsors: Drug Arm, Salvation Army, Cleanaway, Life Church Roma, Rural Aid, Queensland Government and Maranoa Regional Council, and Volunteers: Drug Arm, Affinity Education, Goolburri, Anglicare SAC, Roma QPS, ACT for Kids and 54 Reasons for supporting the Christmas Hamper Appeal.
• The Christmas Street Party Food Vouchers: On Thursday, 6 December, McDowall Street, Roma was radiating with festive cheer in celebration of the Christmas Street Party. Eligible residents received a free meal at the Christmas Street Party through food vouchers, provided to them to utilise at participating food vendors. A big thank you goes out to this year’s Sponsor, Santos, and to all of the food vendors for supporting the Christmas Street Party Food Vouchers.
• The Community Kitchens Christmas Dinner: The Community Kitchens is a monthly event, and December’s gathering saw community members come together to celebrate the Community Kitchens Christmas Dinner. With music flowing throughout the Anglican Church Hall on Tuesday, 16 December, the dinner provided a welcoming evening where the community connected with one another, enjoyed a delicious meal and participated in games and activities. Thank you to the event partners the Queensland Government and Open Windows Project for supporting the Community Kitchens Christmas Dinner.
• The Christmas Luncheon: The Christmas Luncheon wrapped up the final event on this year’s Community Support Service Holiday Program. On Friday, 19 December, Maranoa residents gathered at the Roma Clay Target Club where they relaxed with a delicious Christmas lunch.  Adding to the festive atmosphere, the crowd were treated to a visit from Santa and enjoyed music in the company of others. The event provided an opportunity for members of the community who may anticipating spending Christmas alone, or were wanting to spend time with others in the community to come together to celebrate the festive season.  Thank you to the Queensland Government, The Roma Clay Target Club, Bakearoma, Sconetime Roma and Primary Health Network for supporting the Christmas Luncheon.

Spokesperson for Arts and Culture, Councillor Meryl Brumpton said that the Community Support Service Holiday Program is special for the Maranoa.

“The Community Support Service Holiday Program is a truly wonderful program,” Cr Brumpton said.  

“The events and initiatives have provided a joyful and welcoming space for residents feeling alone, or those wanting to spend time with others this festive season, to come together, connect with others and celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

“Maranoa Regional Council would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Community Support Service Holiday Program, including the sponsors, volunteers and organisers who have been involved in the program and supported the Maranoa community.

“It’s humbling to know that our community is looked after in such a special way and that joy can be found through us coming together, particularly at a time of year that may be difficult for some.”