Lighting up their community
A Brisbane recovery centre’s sparkling entry into Radio 4KQ Christmas Lights competition is bringing joy to program participants and the local community.
For the past ten years, Geoff Venables, a graduate from Brisbane Recovery Services Centre ‘Moonyah’, helped by current participants, has elaborately decorated the outside of the complex with Christmas lights.
Switching on the lights marks the beginning of a string of Christmas festivities run by Moonyah, including closing off the street and staging carols for the community – events that attract around 600 people each year.
Moonyah’s manager, Graham Tamsett, says the widely-advertised competition attracts many thousands of visitors to the lights each night, and is a highly effective way of lifting the profile of the centre’s services.
“It is all about community relationships. We want to reach out and be part of the community,” Mr Tamsett says.
“This lets those struggling with addiction who may not know where to turn for help, or who had been previously too intimidated to enter a service, feel Moonyah is accessible.
“Sadly, at times the public does not have the best image of rehabilitation, so entering into Christmas Lights brings people to the area. Our staff are often out saying ‘hi’, giving away lollies to kids and making contact. People in the community get a more positive impression and understanding of recovery,” he says.
According to Graham, organising a special Christmas experience is also essential to clients.
“Many have been disengaged from family and friends, or have not celebrated Christmas for some years because of their addiction, so we try to make Christmas as meaningful as possible.
“Now many actually say they have the best Christmas they can ever remember!”
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