SAVE THE PAKENHAM CHRISTMAS CAROLS! 🎄

We call on Cardinia Shire Council to reverse its decision to abandon the Pakenham Community Christmas Carols and take responsibility for ensuring this much-loved community tradition continues.

For years, the Pakenham Christmas Carols have brought families, neighbours, children, seniors and people from all walks of life together to celebrate the festive season.

It is more than a Christmas concert.

It is a community tradition. A place where memories are made, children experience the magic of Christmas, and residents come together regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

And now Cardinia Shire Council has allowed it to disappear.

🎄 WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

According to reporting by the Herald Sun, Cardinia Shire Council wanted an external community organisation to take over delivery of the Pakenham Christmas Carols.

Council offered only $15,000 towards the event, with the expectation that additional funding and delivery arrangements would be secured externally.

When a willing community partner could not be found, the event was cancelled.

But why should the continuation of one of Pakenham’s most cherished community events depend on volunteers, community organisations and already-stretched local businesses taking on responsibilities previously managed by Council?

Our local businesses are already dealing with rising costs. Our community organisations rely heavily on volunteers.

They should be supported by Council, not expected to replace it.

🎄 OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES BETTER

Cardinia residents continue to pay high council rates while questioning the reduction and withdrawal of valued community services.

Pakenham has already seen concerns raised about the loss of Christmas decorations in its town centre, reduced other community event support and the future of other longstanding local traditions.

At a time when families are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, free and accessible community celebrations are more important than ever.

Christmas Carols are not simply an expense on a council spreadsheet. They are an investment in community connection, belonging and local identity.

A growing community like Pakenham deserves opportunities to come together.

🎄 WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR

We, the undersigned, call on Cardinia Shire Council to:

Reverse its decision to discontinue Council-led delivery of the Pakenham Community Christmas Carols.

Take responsibility for ensuring the event continues, including appropriate funding, planning, insurance, safety, traffic management and event coordination.

Urgently investigate reinstating the 2026 event, including a practical alternative delivery arrangement if necessary.

Commit to a sustainable annual funding and delivery model so the future of the Pakenham Christmas Carols is not placed in jeopardy each year.
Consult the Pakenham community transparently before withdrawing support from longstanding community events.
🎄 A MESSAGE TO CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

Our community is not asking for extravagance.

We are asking for a family-friendly Christmas tradition to continue.

We are asking Council to recognise the value of bringing people together.

We are asking that residents who contribute through their rates see meaningful investment in the community they call home.

Pakenham deserves its Christmas Carols.

Our children deserve these memories.

And our community deserves a Council willing to make them happen.

🎄 SIGN THIS PETITION. SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBOURS.

Let’s show Cardinia Shire Council just how much the Pakenham Christmas Carols mean to our community.

BRING BACK THE PAKENHAM CHRISTMAS CAROLS!