Pastoral Times Opinion: Team Effort

Source: Deniliquin Pastoral Times, 3 August 2007

JEFF Gambin has developed an affinity with Deniliquin.

It has led to our region being the recipient of his amazing energy and generosity.

Gambin and his Sydney based organisation Just Enough Faith used their incredible persuasive powers to provide the presents, food and entertainment that helped make Australia’s Biggest Ever Christmas in July at Deniliquin on Sunday an outstanding success.

But it was only part of a magnificent team effort.

The origins of Christmas in July and its predecessor, April Showers, make a great story.

It started in January when Deniliquin Rotary Club president Peter Colclough formed a local committee to organise farmers’ drought relief day, with an anticipated crowd of several hundred. It was called April Showers, in the hope it would bring lots of rain.

During attempts to get a guest entertainer or motivational speaker, contact was made with Sydney company Successful Speakers, run by Suzie Isak and Ian Elliot.

Coincidentally, some well known personalities including Gambin and Doug Mulray had been talking about doing something to help drought affected farmers.

The links were made, and April Showers quickly had a huge celebrity line-up.

Gambin organised food and gifts, and all of a sudden April Showers grew into an event for thousands, not hundreds.

It was a great day for everyone, from celebrities to the volunteers and, of course, the patrons.

While in Deniliquin, Gambin became aware that the ‘forgotten people’ in the drought were children.

So in his usual manner, he decided something should be done. And Christmas in July was born.

The teamwork and community support which made it so successful was a highlight of the event.

Gambin organised the food, presents and entertainment.

The local committee looked after the organisational logistics – a huge task in itself.

When help was needed, volunteers came out in droves to undertake any task required.

Their willingness to assist in the lead-up, and on the day, was a driving force behind its success.

Australia’s Biggest Ever Christmas in July aimed to be a celebration of country living, and an opportunity to give Sydney people a glimpse of country life.

It was a fine example of true country spirit.

Well done, Deni.

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