Fairy floss, popcorn and snow cones went hand in hand with a visit from Santa and joyful screams of families going down water slides.
The annual Amberley Christmas Treat at Wet n’ Wild was attended by RAAF Base Amberley, ADF, Australian Public Service personnel, contractors, industry partners and their families, on November 24.
Event organiser Flight Lieutenant Arun Soorian said it was a great opportunity to take a moment to reset after a busy year and create memories with friends and family.
She acknowledged support from key friends of Defence that enabled Christmas Treat to happen.
“A big thankyou to Raytheon, Mates 4 Mates, Navy Health, RSL QLD, SAAB, Wet n’ Wild, Defence Health, Defence Bank, Chaplain’s Office, RAAF Base Welfare Recreation Committee and Defence Members and Family Support for helping make this event possible,” Flight Lieutenant Soorian said.
“It has been a very busy year for personnel at RAAF Base Amberley, providing flood support (which has continued through 2022), assisting with pandemic activities and humanitarian aid to our Pacific family, and deploying on exercises and operations.”
This event gives the ADF community at RAAF Base Amberley an opportunity to engage with support networks available to Defence personnel from allied contributors.
Sergeant Jodi Randall of Headquarters Combat Support Group, who helped organise the Christmas treat, said it had been rewarding working with other volunteers from around the base to create this event.
“Without the volunteers to seek sponsorship, manage the logistics of vendors and food, and purchase and wrap gifts to help Santa, it would not have been possible,” Sergeant Randall said.
“It warmed my heart seeing the children having a lot of fun, from eating the fairy floss to going on rides and hearing the excitement as they opened their presents from Santa.
“I love attending annual Christmas Treats, as it allows Defence friends and families to come together. Old friends catch up and new friendships are formed – a necessity when we move every 2-4 years.”
