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Spreading the joy this Christmas

SPREAD the joy of Christmas to those in need across Gippsland There’s nothing like seeing the delight on a child’s face when they open a gift on Christmas morning. But, with the cost of living and poverty on the rise, we need your help make the festive season a little brighter for families in need across Gippsland. At Uniting Vic.Tas, our Gifts for Families Appeal supports disadvantaged local families by providing toys and gifts generously donated by the community for children in need. Uniting Vic.Tas Gippsland executive officer, Di Fisher, said more families than ever are expected to ask for help this year. “We know cost-of-living pressures have stretched many budgets to breaking point,” Ms Fisher said. “Whether it’s the cost of rent, gas and electricity or putting fuel in the car, we know people are really struggling. “Affording the necessities is now out of reach for many and they’re having to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills. “Gifts For Families is one of the highlights of every year for us - we are determined that no one is going to go without a gift this Christmas. “Putting smiles on the faces of families and providing gifts to deserving children and young people is so rewarding. “We hope you; your group, school, workplace or family can make sure there are gifts under every Christmas tree in our community.” You can help by donating new gifts such as toys and puzzles, sports equipment, books, new clothes, e-gift cards and gifts for adults. Gifts can also be purchased online and sent to Uniting, 126 Raymond St, Sale. Uniting are also looking for donations of nonperishable foods, so families have something to put on the table on Christmas Day. Donations can be made at Uniting offices at Sale, Bairnsdale, Morwell and Leongatha, and the Uniting Sale op-shop. For more information, visit www.unitingvictas. org.au/local-christmas.

Kapelle Konzert captivates audience at Little Theatre

ST PAUL’S Anglican Grammar School Academy of Music students recently celebrated their love of music by performing in front of a live community audience at Traralgon’s Little Theatre during their Kapelle Konzert. Harmonious voices accompanied the large ensemble orchestra of violins, violas, cellos, double bass, flutes, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, trumpets, trombone, percussion, and keyboard, in a performance dedicated to orchestral and choral works. The Kapelle Konzert featured students from the St Paul’s Academy of Music across Years 4 to 12 from the St Paul’s Warragul and Traralgon Campuses. Three past students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 also returned to play alongside students. The St Paul’s Academy of Music focuses on the development of students’ chamber and orchestral skills through timetabled classes, providing opportunities to perform at a range of venues. Academy staff deliver professional instrumental and vocal workshops in addition to combined, cross-campus orchestral and choral rehearsals.

Precision: Year 8 student Mitchell on the cello.

Music maker: St Paul’s Year 4 student Tyrone on the violin. Duo: On violin is Year 6 student Angela and class of 2021 alumnae Tanvi. Cello, you got a bass: Year 6 student Alexandra on the cello.

photographs supplied