Sharing the Spirit

December 16, 2025

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has celebrated a vibrant and heartfelt festive season, in the true spirit of Christmas showcasing connection, joy, and the power of community.

This year’s activities were rich with creativity and warmth, from beautifully designed Christmas cards to festive workspace competitions, virtual carols, and the granting of heartfelt resident wishes.

Across our organisation, staff, residents, and volunteers came together to share in the season’s joy, reminding us how meaningful it is to support one another at this special time of year.

A much-loved tradition, the annual Christmas Card Competition once again highlighted the remarkable talent and personal stories within our community.

From more than 100 entries, four standout designs were selected for printing.

A Christmas Fireplace by 13-year-old Joshua Caruana, grandson of St Francis’ resident Joe Buttigieg, was chosen as the resident card.

The staff card, An Australian Christmas Scene, was created by Mrs Eliana Lago, a resident of Thornton Park, Penrith.

Volunteer Sonya Gonzalez, whose grandmother previously lived at Marsfield Residential Care, appropriately designed the volunteers’ card, Christmas Is Here.

And Christmas Sunset by the Lake, created by Derek Fuller, son of Home Care client Jean Fuller from North Gosford, was selected for our clients and partners.

We warmly congratulate all the winners and thank every participant who shared their creativity and designs.

Festive joy continued with more than 250 resident requests submitted to the Christmas Wishing Tree, ranging from adventurous dreams like skydiving to cherished moments such as sharing morning tea with grandchildren, along with heartfelt hopes for world peace.

Each wish reflected the memories, aspirations, and connections that make this time of year so special.

We hope the wishes granted brought joy and comfort, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in 2026.

Our homes and workplaces were also transformed as staff enthusiastically embraced the annual Decorating Competition.

From classic Christmas charm to bold, colourful displays, each creation brought delight to residents, visitors, and colleagues alike.

Prizes were awarded for the most imaginative designs, celebrating the teamwork that shines so brightly across our services.

The festive season culminated with our annual Christmas Carols concert, once again held at the Community Centre at the Cardinal Gilroy Centre in Merrylands and live streamed across NSW and the ACT.

Residents, staff, and volunteers joined together virtually to sing in the season and celebrate the togetherness that defines us as a community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and celebrated in any of our festive activities.

By living our HEART values of Honesty, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect and Teamwork, we make the festive season brighter and more deeply connected, reminding us that the true spirit of Christmas is best shared together.