In previous years, the business district of Bega has come alive with Christmas carols, decorations, market stalls, family entertainment and a business house prize draw.

With the possible exception of the stalls, all of that festive family friendly fun was thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers.

Bega Lions with assistance from the Volunteer Rescue Association installed decorations on shop roofs, the carols were performed by local church group leaders, and all those great prizes in the raffle draw were donations from local businesses.

Is it really any wonder that when those efforts draw more criticism than praise those volunteers might be left  questioning if their efforts on behalf of the community are appreciated.

When the Bega District News reported there was not going to be an organised public Christmas Carols night or business house raffle this year, readers went into overdrive slamming local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. 

One post on Facebook read, in part, “If they can't arrange one special night for the Bega shire families (who in turn are meant to support them), then maybe the community should run Bega.”

True. But with respect, the community is exactly what has been the key driver of events like Bega on the Go and Christmas Carnivale. Volunteers put up decorations, volunteers (RFS, VRA) organise traffic diversions, a small handful of business owners volunteer their own time organising the event  – we assume Santa doesn’t get paid for attending! More volunteers would surely be welcomed!

Yes we spend our money on their wares and for the most part they turn a profit, but where’s the community’s Christmas spirit for those same local businesses that – all year round – employ our people, support our producers and give generously to sports clubs and community organisations?

There’s no denying the chamber has dropped the ball this year in regards to a town-wide Christmas celebration. But perhaps with more town-wide support, it’s a situation that won’t repeat itself.

Kudos to the Bega Town Block Party – organised by a volunteer before any decision on a carols night was made – for planning something in which the entire community can get involved.