Business comes to party for Christmas

Three big-hearted businesses have stepped in with generous financial donations to ensure the Chinatown Christmas Party will go ahead this year.

The popular event was thrown into doubt in August when main organiser the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced it was pulling out this year because it was a drain on its resources.

But festive spirit has prevailed.

The Roebuck Bay Hotel has saved the day, closely followed by oil and gas company INPEX and Footprint Cleaning.

The three have pledged a total of $14,000 in addition to $6000 already raised by the local business community.

The flood of support has convinced the BCCI to manage proceedings again.

The party will take place on Friday, December 8, from 5pm- 8pm and include a gift market and carols by candlelight on Carnarvon Street.

The Roebuck Bay Hotel carpark will spring to life with a Christmas party, and a live nativity scene, and Male Oval across the road will become a festive wonderland for children.

Entertainment will be provided by local school choirs and performers, with a special visit from Santa Claus to spread the yuletide cheer to the youngsters.

BCCI chief executive Jael Napper said the chamber had been overwhelmed by businesses and the community wanting to do the right thing.

“Broome is a warm place at the best of times, but the warm fuzzy feeling that you get seeing such generosity from the business community is worth all of our time and energy to deliver this event again this year,” she said.

Roebuck Bay Hotel general manager Stewart Burchell said the pub was glad to be able to help continue the “much-loved tradition”. Footprint Cleaning co-director Taryn Ryan said the family business recognised how important the event was for the community.

Acting Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said the council would provide in-kind support to help cover running costs, with the Chinatown Revitalisation Project providing street entertainment and lighting.

Mr Tracey said the CRP late-night trading trial for 2017 had also been timed to coincide with the Christmas party that would add extra resources “to make this a truly memorable event”.