General News
19 December, 2025
Senior’s special lunch
A LONG-RUNNING community Christmas lunch for elderly residents will return for its 10th year, with organisers preparing to welcome around 80 people for a festive meal and celebration in Cairns.
Since 2015, a team of volunteers has hosted a complimentary Christmas lunch for senior citizens who might otherwise spend the day alone. This year’s event will again take place at the Cairns Brass Band Hall on Mulgrave Road, offering a buffet lunch, gifts, a DJ and a visit from Santa.
Event organiser Mark Schmitt said the lunch had become a tradition for his family and the wider community.
“It’s something my family and I have been doing as a way to ensure the elderly community have a great day,” Mr Schmitt said.
“We normally welcome around 80 people from around Cairns to join us and come together on this special day. To ensure accessibility, we provide a bus and volunteers to pick up anyone who would like to attend.”
The event is supported by donations from Rotary, local businesses and individuals, as well as contributions of gifts, decorations and volunteer time. Organisers say some guests return every year, while they continue to encourage new participants to join.
“We have people joining us on the day who have been coming every year, but we are always on the lookout for more people in the community to join,” Mr Schmitt said.
“We specifically aim to assist any senior citizens in the region who might otherwise be alone to come and have a Merry Christmas with us.”
Anyone wishing to donate a Christmas gift or refer an elderly person who may benefit from attending can contact the organisers directly on 0481 881 032.
Currently, the event has 67 registered attendees and can accommodate up to 100.
