Carols in the Domain showcases Jesus’ light after Sydney’s dark week
- deansimpson7
- 51 minutes ago
- 3 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
This year’s Carols in the Domain, held in Sydney on 20 December and televised nationwide on the Seven Network, marked the first year with The Salvation Army as the official naming partner.
It also marked one of the first major public events in the city following the tragic events at Bondi Beach on 14 December.
The proceedings included a Coca-Cola-sponsored drone show featuring 500 drones, The Salvation Army choir and a special message for Australians from Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander and Chair of the Board, in light of the recent attacks in Bondi.
In her segment, Miriam said the night was a great chance to pause, think deeply, and honour those who had gone through the most difficult times and had their lives “changed forever”.
“The most incredible thing we’ve been talking about is Christmas, and the true message - this baby Jesus who came to bring hope and love and peace, so that everyone might flourish,” Miriam said.
“Tonight, what we want to say is you are hope givers, you are hope bringers, let’s be that this Christmastime.”
While The Salvation Army has long been involved in the event, the first year as the official naming partner was an amazing one, according to General Manager for Community Fundraising Andrew Hill.
“It was a hot day, and the crowd came a little later to avoid the heat,” Andrew said. “It was a challenging week, and we worked closely with the event organisers Active TV to ensure the tone of the event respected the events of the previous weekend while offering a joyful Christmas experience for families.
“I really believe the night provided a powerful opportunity to allow the message of Jesus to pierce through the darkness.”
He said at one point, the crowd gasped in amazement when, during the drone show, The Salvation Army shield appeared in the sky.
“We couldn’t have hoped for more,” Andrew said. “I think we saw on Saturday night how amazing it is when we all come together behind a Salvation Army that just wants to shine a light into the world.
“I think we’re going to see amazing things to come in future years.”
Volunteers were the backbone of the success of The Salvation Army Carols in the Domain, according to Community Fundraising Manager Andrew Hill.
Andrew said the event would not have happened without the commitment of the Communications team, led by Colonel Rodney Walters, Head of Fundraising Janine Kewming, Community Fundraising and Relationships Manager Greg Donovan, Executive Manager Campaign Communications and Media Benjamin Moyes and his team, Events Manager Lisa O’Sullivan, as well as the Events team, and the hundreds of volunteers and staff across multiple teams and corps including Shire Salvos, The Salvation Army Emergency Services, Parramatta Salvos, the Sydney Youth Band and many more.
Andrew said Lisa O’Sullivan was an “absolute dynamo and superstar” who ensured much of what happened on the ground went according to plan. He said many of those involved were at the venue from 8.30am on the Saturday morning until 1.30am the following day.
More than $500,000 was raised through the event, which will support The Salvation Army’s work across Australia.
