By NICOLE WILLIAMS
Councillor unwraps plans for night of Christmas cheer…
A City of Casey councillor is pushing to introduce a carols by candlelight event in Berwick after finding out her ward was the only one without a Christmas event.
Edrington Ward councillor Susan Serey raised the issue at last week’s council meeting, moving a motion to have officers to look into the establishment of the event and liaise with Berwick Rotary Club and the Berwick Chamber of Commerce on the issue.
“All wards apart from the Edrington Ward have a council-supported carols by candlelight available to local residents, which is why I have asked council to investigate one being established in Berwick in partnership with local community organisations,” she said.
“In moving about my ward at local events, I have been asked on a number of occasions (by residents) as to why there is no carols in Edrington Ward.
“There are plenty around Casey, but residents want something in Berwick.”
Cr Serey requested the report come back in early 2014 with the first event to be held in December 2014 if successful.
At the council meeting, Cr Wayne Smith said he would support the idea, as he was happy for an investigation into it but said he believed there was already enough in Casey.
“There’s only so many dollars council can put into these events,” he said.
“The more events you have, the less you get at each.
“I’d prefer to see three or four big events across the city.”
Cr Louise Berkelmans also supported the motion but said she didn’t believe there was a free weekend in December.
“I would hate for two events of this stature to clash,” she said.
Three possible locations have been suggested including Pioneers Park, Buchanan Park and Wilson Botanical Gardens.
Cr Serey said early discussions with the Rotary Club of Berwick and the Berwick Chamber of Commerce were positive and both community groups had indicated they would support the event.
“Berwick Rotary expressed excitement in being involved and possibly running it,” she said.
“It would be ideal to get both organisations involved in it.”
A carols by candlelight event would bring the Christmas spirit into the village and provide an economic boost to local businesses, Cr Serey said.
“If the event were to be held in Pioneers Park, in close proximity to the village, it would be a boon for the local economy as well, of course, bringing the joys of the festive season to Berwick and local families,” she said.
“As a proud Berwick resident, I want to see my ward have a celebration, as do the other wards, with the support of council.”
A report into the possibility of the event will be prepared by council officers by early 2014.
