Bondi community celebrates Christmas

ABC NEWS (Australia)

An annual community Christmas lunch in Bondi Beach has taken on additional significance, welcomed hundreds and making sure everyone is supported after the terror attack nearly two weeks ago. Organisers and their team of volunteers say it's ensured the community spirit Bondi has always stood for can shine even brighter this year.

Transcript

00:00It's a community still hurting, but in Bondi there is a determination that anyone struggling

00:08is supported, especially on Christmas Day.

00:11From early this morning, a team of hardworking volunteers was preparing the annual community

00:16Christmas lunch at the surf club.

00:18300 or more people were welcomed for a free meal, live music and gifts.

00:25We do so much on the beach, and that's such a big part of life saving, but we now save

00:32lives not just on the beach, but off the beach by putting on events like this, and this is

00:36one small part of it.

00:37This event has humble beginnings five years ago with a simple goal, to help make sure nobody

00:42spends Christmas Day alone or afraid.

00:45But it has grown to become a hallmark event, supported by local businesses, including a

00:50Jewish organisation called Our Big Kitchen.

00:53The best way to fight these bad times is by doing good.

00:57Everyone just needs to step forward and live good, happy, positive lives.

01:02Even more than the other years, it's important that we are here and that we are lending our

01:06beautiful surf club to such an event.

01:09It's been a horror fortnight for that community, and everybody in Australia needs to wrap their

01:15arms around them to lift them up during a difficult period.

01:19While hundreds of people enjoyed the lunch inside, outside, others enjoyed the beach.

01:24Despite a subdued morning, crowds built by the afternoon.

01:28For locals, the attack has led to a greater sense of community.

01:32People who you know casually, just through walking, all are supporting each other, and

01:39it's fabulous to see all the police too.

01:41They're doing a wonderful job, and are very friendly, and it makes you feel safe.

01:47For visitors, a sunny day at an iconic beach, was the perfect way to spend the holiday.

01:56Special thanks to the encouraged members, positive

02:13regarded fireworks for friends and communities for themselves, for guests.

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