{"id":368047,"date":"2025-12-19T23:58:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T13:58:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=368047"},"modified":"2025-12-20T00:54:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T14:54:43","slug":"south-burnett-celebrates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2025\/12\/19\/south-burnett-celebrates\/","title":{"rendered":"South Burnett Celebrates!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Santa Claus and Mrs Claus have been kept very busy around the region over the past few weeks, but they had time to chat to children near the Kingaroy Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

December 19, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

There’s been festive activities popping up all over the region during the past couple of weeks … it must be Christmas!<\/p>\n

There’s been carols nights, carnivals, free entertainment, market stalls and lots and lots of tinsel and glitter.<\/p>\n

Santa Claus has also been kept busy, turning up everywhere from Yarraman to Proston and Murgon.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Blackbutt<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The South Burnett Performing Arts Academy hosted a free Christmas musical spectacular at the Blackbutt Memorial Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were lots of musical performances on stage – including by the Blackbutt Singers, Julee-anne Bell and Stephanie Wimpenny – and the Grinch also made an appearance!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Stephanie Wimpenny led the young performers from the South Burnett Performing Arts Academy (Photo: SBPAC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entrants in the Decorated Christmas Tree competition (Photos: Jane Erkens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
There was singing … (Photo: Jane Erkens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
… and dancing! (Photo: Jane Erkens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The original Christmas story was also presented to an appreciative audience (Photo: Jane Erkens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Grinch also starred at Blackbutt’s Christmas celebration (Photo: Jane Erkens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Julee-anne Bell and Stephanie Wimpenny also sang on stage (Photos: Jane Erkens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hivesville<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Santa arrived in a Rural Fire Brigade truck for Hivesville’s celebration!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hivesville Progress Association president Barbara Hockey and treasurer Christine Kerr with Deputy Mayor Ros Heit (at back) and Mayor Kathy Duff<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Santa was handing out lollies and presents from his big bag of gifts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Margaret and Nina House, from Marshlands, and Andrea Stewart, from Mondure, dropped in to check out the Hivesville celebration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mellissa Dunn, from Proston, with Edna Nicol, Wondai … Mellissa was keen to remind everyone that the Proston Christmas Carnival will be held in Railway Park this Saturday (December 6)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the Hivesville event were Nick and Nikita Hockey with Lauren, 7 months; Alexandra, 7; Kathleen, 9; Henry, 5; and Thomas, 6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kingaroy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The largest Christmas Carnival held around the South Burnett this year was definitely in Kingaroy – with rides, a giant slide, food and market stalls, live entertainment and, of course, Santa!<\/strong><\/p>\n

The carnival took over the Glendon Street entertainment space, the Town Hall forecourt and part of the parking area at the rear of the hall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of the large rides which filled the Glendon Street area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kerry Heit, Dianne Kowalski and Bev Watter were among the Kingaroy Lions Club volunteers selling ham wheel tickets … the club had 20 hams on offer during the night<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Michael Ulrick, from Kingaroy, and Malarma Howard, from Booie, were enjoying the carnival fun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff and compere for the night Cr Danita Potter with Kingaroy Christmas Carnival committee president Jason Olsen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Students from the Ally Walker Dance Academy performed a number of routines for the crowd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sgt Brad Fewtrell and Constable Emily Cook were getting to know a notorious speedster, “Roy”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lolly, from Hula Hoop Brisbane, was blowing giant bubbles that wafted over the crowd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Martoo family were out to join in the fun … from left, Damien, Minnie, Bronwyn, Cherry and Evelyn, 16 months<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Julee-anne Bell was one of a number of performers who sang from the top of the town hall steps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Popular local singer Amber Goldsmith also entertained the crowd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kumbia<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Kumbia’s annual Christmas Carnival is always a big community get-together next to the Kumbia Memorial Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were market stalls, a licensed bar, barbecue, ham wheel, a jumping castle and raffles and Santa arrived aboard an historic fire truck!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deputy Mayor Ros Heit with former Kumbia resident Murray Beil<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gayle Carroll, Desiree Crawford and Linda Thomas were three of the hard-working volunteers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joy Patch, from Beauvale Day Lilies, was one of the local business people who had a stall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rita Buchholz, from Kingaroy, with Margaret Kearney, from Kumbia, and some delicious Christmas cakes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rhonda Callow, from Kingaroy, had a stall selling craft items, including these scented candles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Santa arrived aboard a fully restored \u00a01960 International fire truck (Photo: Melissa Beil)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Santa was sharing secrets with Mark Beil (Photo: Ros Heit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Murgon<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Murgon’s Christmas Tree auction was arranged at the last minute, but that didn’t stop the fun!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ten trees were decorated by local not-for-profit groups: Murgon State School, SES Cadets, St Joseph’s Catholic School, Murgon Pool, Wheatlands State School, Murgon Independent Lifestyle Project, Murgon Fire Brigade (for Moffatdale SS), Murgon Cricket, Goomeri P-10 State School and the Dairy Museum.<\/p>\n

Each group decorated their trees which were then auctioned by Josh Steinhardt with the funds going to the nominated association.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The 10 trees lined up ready to be auctioned<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lorraine Goodchild and Cr Heath Sander, from the Murgon Business & Development Association, with Murgon Services Club treasurer Kimberley Kunde … the MBDA, Murgon Services Club and Cr Sander sponsored the event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Auctioneer Josh Steinhardt with Murgon resident Bryce Swift who was preparing to bid on the trees<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The children from Wheatlands State School were particularly proud of their decorated tree!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Nanango<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Nanango’s Christmas celebrations took the form of carols and a casual picnic-like atmosphere under the shade sails in the grounds of historic Ringsfield House.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Volunteers from the Nanango Men’s Shed cooked the sausage sizzle, the local netball club was serving up cordial, there was a display of rock’n’roll dancing, lots of singing and even Christmas cartoons on the big screen!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nanango Men’s Shed volunteers … from left, Herman Lette, Grant Watson and Roy McKee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Belinda Hadley-Wells and Janet Margaret were getting into the Christmas spirit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Grace Wells and Neil Melville, from Nanango, were relaxing under the shade sails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lauren and Jayden Flint, from Nanango, were dressed for festive fun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Natalie Fenton was encouraging crowd members to sing, and also creating giant bubbles to amuse the youngsters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The NaTDA Heritage Nanango choir sang on the lawn and also performed carols in the old church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Santa was making friends with Jane Hodgkinson and her granddaughter, Maggie Jane Hodgkinson-Jones, 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Jenny and Rod Morgan were chatting with South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff … Mayor Duff also brought a long a suite of games for the children to play<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Part of the rock’n’roll dance crew … from left, Diane Musgrave, Nanango; Greg Wagner, Yarraman; and Rhonda and Terry Mackrell, Nanango<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Proston<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Proston QCWA organised the local Christmas Carnival in Railway Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were stalls, a sausage sizzle, a jumping castle, carols and a visit from Santa who greeted children from his chair on The Platform.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
There were a lot of craft items for sale … perfect last-minute Christmas gifts! (Photo: Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wondai<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Wondai residents enjoyed Christmas carols in Coronation Park, thanks to the local QCWA and Community Choir and the Wondai Town & District Band to perform carols.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was also a free sausage sizzle put on by Wondai Lions and, of course, a visit by Santa!<\/p>\n

NB. Wondai’s Christmas Carnival will be held from 5:00pm on Saturday (December 20) at the Wondai Showgrounds. There\u2019ll be a ham wheel and chocolate wheel; market stalls, food and drinks, live entertainment and jumping castles.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Have you been naughty or nice? Santa wants to know …<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Wondai Town & District Band performed Christmas carols in the Percy Iszlaub sound shell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yarraman
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Yarraman’s Christmas celebration was held at Errol Munt Reserve.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were market stalls, a free jumping castle and face-painting and even fireworks! Santa arrived in a gleaming red fire engine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Santa also found time to drop into Yarraman! (Photo: Jane Hodgkinson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Yarraman fire crew had an important job … to deliver the big man in red (Photo: Jane Hodgkinson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Santa Around The Region!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Father Christmas, aka Santa Claus, has been very busy this week meeting and greeting people in Kingaroy and thereabouts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How does he fit in with all the work he has to do around the world on Christmas Eve? Maybe that sleigh will help …<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Annie MacAlpine at Options Gifts in Kingaroy Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Saying g’day to Ruth Jaggard in Kingaroy Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A big hello to Doretta Clevens, from Wilkesdale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And to Lisa Wicks at the Kingaroy Discount Drug Store<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This bunch of backpackers were pleased to meet Mr Claus in person!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hannah Wood also stopped by to chat with Santa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Santa also made friends with Catherine Woodham when he dropped into the Cooinda Craft Group’s Christmas break-up in Kingaroy (Photo: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The crafty Cooinda ladies enjoyed posing with Santa (Photo: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Santa also made friends with a bunch of shoppers outside Martoo Meats in Haly Street (Photo: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lewis Jenkinson loaned Santa a sleigh to help him get around the South Burnett in double-quick time … and he needed it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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