Numbers swell for one of Perth's most loved community events

Wellington Square Park in East Perth was pulsing with over 1,200 Mission Australia guests attending our annual Christmas Lunch in the Park (CLIP) on Christmas Day, bringing some Christmas cheer to Perth locals seeking a place to celebrate the festive season.

Despite temperatures of up to 35 degrees, guests had a fantastic time thanks to the generous efforts of the 400 men and women who volunteered their time on the day and in the months leading up to the big event.

Lunch was hosted by Steve Irons, Federal Member for Swan, and Perth sports presenter Adrian Barich, with entertainment provided by the Perth Christian Choir and Perth opera singing duo Katherine and Justin Freind.

Perth has been booming with new people settling from interstate and overseas, many of whom don't have established networks or family to celebrate Christmas day with. One young family attended the lunch for the first time as they had no extended family in Australia after moving here from the UK. In true spirit of the day, the family found their friendly table hosts were also from the UK and made plans to catch up again.

CLIP is now one of Perth's major annual community events and a true demonstration of social inclusion – guests ranged from single people, couples and families, some who had recently arrived in the country, and others who may be lonely, struggling financially or homeless.