Thousands celebrate at Christmas In July

Written and Photography by Nathan Holahan

Source: Deniliquin Pastoral Times, 31 July 2007

Early Christmas presents ... Special guest Santa Claus is accompanied to the
Christmas in July festivities with Just Enough Faith founder Jeff Gambin (right).

CHRISTMAS came early on Sunday when people from throughout the region celebrated Australia’s Biggest Ever Christmas in July at the Deniliquin Racecource.

It was a day the region's rural community came together to celebrate country life.

A crowd estimated at 3500 to 4000 ignored the poor weather and enjoyed themselves with free food, presents and entertainment.

Not even the late withdrawal of headline guests Bryan Brown and Peter Cousens, or a kitchen fire, could take away the community spirit that was evident.

The event was organised by the local April Showers Community Drought Relief Day Committee, and Just Enough Faith founder Jeff Gambin and his team from Sydney .

Mr Gambin said he was pleased with how the day was run.

"It has been fantastic and absolutely successful. I'm very pleased with the turn out," he said.

Deniliquin Mayor Lindsay Renwick described the day as "absolutely perfect."

"The number of people who have turned up is a credit to the organisation of the event.

"The volunteers have done a wonderful job," he said.

The entertainment on the day included both local acts and A-list Australian entertainers.

The program underwent a last minute transformation when the plane carrying the entertainers was delayed at the airport in Sydney for an hour.

The Deniliquin Municipal Band and Sing Australia Choir were powerful and local band The Lincons were impressive at the start of the day.

The ‘Show Band' also was a crowd pleaser, as was local performer Luke O'Connell.

Geordie ‘Joe' Cocker and band wowed the audience with his uncanny resemblance to Joe Cocker, both in appearance and voice.

Down-to-earth radio and television personality Doug Mulray was popular both on stage and around the venue when he seemed to have all the time in the world to talk to his fans.

"People have a general conception that Sydney people don't care – we do care," he said.

"It has been great to get down here and actually talk to people first hand about the problems they face in the country.

"I think it's been a great day and I'm very supportive of what Jeff (Gambin) does in Sydney," Mulray said.

He also performed on stage with Keith Armitage.

Wayne Scott Kermond, multi award winning musical theatre and cabaret performer, was a late inclusion into the entertainment line-up following the last minute withdrawal of Peter Cousens.

He delighted the crowd with singing, tap dancing and acrobatics.

Toot and Stretch the clowns were a hit with the kids, performing various magic tricks and telling jokes that even had mum and dad laughing.

Santa Claus also made a guest appearance during their act.

Every child who attended received a present delivered by Santa Claus thanks to donations from Sydney companies.

The entertainment was concluded with comedian Vince Sorrenti who had his audience in hysterics.

The Deniliquin Collectors Club displayed some of their vintage cars and a sheep dog exhibition also took place to show some of the city visitors how it's done in the country.

Everyone who attended on Sunday was very impressed.

General comments were that the day was well organised and suited both adults and children alike.

John Humphrey attended and also volunteered to help at the front gate.

He summed it up for everyone when he described it as "a great day".

"Everybody I have spoken to thoroughly enjoyed themselves," he said.

"We appreciate the efforts of the organisers.

It certainly lifted the spirits of everyone," Mr Humphrey said.

Back to Articles