Salvo volunteers team up to bring Christmas cheer to Launceston
- deansimpson7
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
BY LERISSE SMITH
For the residents of Launceston in Tasmania, Christmas Day signifies far more than just goodwill, gaiety and gifts – it’s a day when a festive table transforms community members into a united family.
What began as a simple idea shared by five local charities, including The Salvation Army, has grown into one of the city’s most cherished and heart-warming traditions: the IGA Launceston City Community Christmas.
“It is a very special event for the community,” said Sue Wynne, Lunch Volunteer Co-ordinator and Salvation Army Case Manager of Care Finder.
“One they really look forward to. Some people are vulnerable, homeless, new to the area, or simply without family nearby. Then there are other people who don't have relatives here. So, it’s for anyone. We get a real mixed bag of who comes along on the day.”
Some of the most powerful moments have come from simple, heartfelt comments from guests, Sue added, such as, “It has been my greatest Christmas ever”, and “This is the first time we’ve had Christmas with other people.”
For event organisers, moments like this confirm why the day exists.
The concept behind the lunch was uncomplicated, yet profound: a shared hope that everyone would feel seen and included at Christmas.
Joining forces a decade ago to run the event were five local charities – The Salvation Army, City Mission, Catholic Care, St Vincent de Paul and the Launceston Benevolent Society.
Since that time, it has grown into one of the city’s most heart-warming traditions held at the Launceston Convention Centre, within the Door of Hope Church complex, filling the room with friendship, fellowship and food.
These days, the event team caters for around 500 people between 10.30 and 2pm on Christmas Day.
About 350 guests enjoy a sit-down Christmas meal, with around 50 opting for the same meal, packed into takeaway containers from a van in the centre of the city, so they can celebrate quietly. Another 100 meals are served to volunteers so they can share in the day as well.
Each year, about 100 volunteers step in to make it all happen.
Around 50 volunteers act as table hosts, welcoming guests, guiding them to their seats, chatting with them, and lending a hand wherever needed. If someone arrives in a wheelchair or on crutches, volunteers will get their lunch, drinks and anything else that might make the day easier. Other volunteers assist with drinks, food preparation and other tasks.
Volunteers often say they get just as much from the day as the guests do, Sue remarked, adding that many have been returning for years as the experience stays with them long after the tables are cleared.
“The volunteers just love it,” she said. “They say they get so much out of it. They are keen to come back each year. There’s a lot of them that have been coming for years.”
Volunteers come from all walks of life – some in their 80s – with families often volunteering together, with some parents serving as table hosts and children also helping out in what often becomes a cherished family tradition.
Volunteers serve the delicious buffet lunch to guests from large bain-maries, with a drinks table included in the festivities. About 15 people help prepare the food the day before and then cook the food on the day.
Entertainment forms part of the festive occasion too.
The local Mayor, Matthew Garwood, who was known as the ‘Tattooed Tenor’ years ago, has attended the lunch since it began with his wife, entertaining the guests with his singing talents and lifting the energy of the entire room.
An all-important guest arrives too: Santa.
Every child receives a present organised in advance based on their age, while older children receive a gift card.
Additional entertainment, filling the hall with laughter and cheer, includes children’s activities that Sue oversees in her role, such as a children’s corner with a vast array of Christmas crafts and lucky door prizes.
But running such a large event takes commitment.
The organising group meets monthly all year, even gathering immediately after each Christmas to debrief and explore what can be improved. The organising committee pitches in throughout the year and does whatever needs to be done, with the collaboration between the five organisations extending beyond the lunch event to other events throughout the year.
IGA is a major supporter, donating around $17,000 worth of food annually, with several other local businesses also contributing to keep the tradition thriving.
Those who attend the festive lunch come from far and wide. One year, two full tables of fruit pickers from South Pacific islands attended – people far from home and family who found connection within the shared celebration.
With the rising cost of living, many guests have registered earlier than usual for this year’s lunch. However, no one is ever turned away on the day.
“Through everything we have been doing, we have noticed more people reaching out for assistance,” Sue reflected.
And one more special surprise greets guests: a free photo taken with Santa – something many families can’t afford in traditional settings like department stores.
“The involvement in yearly planning and participation on the actual day is an enormous privilege and absolute joy,” reflected Sue.
“Seeing the faces on the families as they enjoy a hearty meal, entertainment, children’s activities, and a visit from Santa is incredibly rewarding. New friendships are made – and some annual reunions have developed between both participants and volunteers.”
For more infomation on International Volunteer Day, go to
Volunteering Australia here
UN Volunteers here
MySalvos here
Celebrating our volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of our mission. They bring hope, dignity and belonging to people in need, reminding us all that everyone matters. At The Salvation Army, we’re proud to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary impact volunteers have across our movement. Their dedication and compassion inspire us every day and strengthen our mission. To mark this occasion, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas shares a short video reflecting on the extraordinary impact of our volunteers and the love that compels them to serve.
