Photo from the TWT on the Spot (Anthony Stavrinos) published Wednesday 17 December 2025. MC Stephen Sim; Eleanor Taig; Callie Dibble; John Smolders AM; Roseanne Gallo OAM; Leichhardt Celebrity Brass Band Conductor , Rae Forrester; Mark Dawson; Nicole Debs; Jane Meney and Cheryl Vlazny.
Congratulations to everyone who came together to ensure another fantastic Rotary Carols on the Common. Thank you to the hard working Carols on the Common Committee, led by Roseanna Gallo OAM from the Rotary Club of Macquarie Park for ensuring another successful Community event!
Thank you to our club's Honorary member, Stephen Sim, for once again being our wonderful MC for the evening. Stephen kept the program running and ensured everyone was enjoying the evening, whilst the news of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi unfolded. Stephen, Roseanna and Reverend John Chappell lead us through the program with care, sensitivity and professionalism.
We could not have put on this event without the support from the City of Ryde Council, our many fabulous sponsors; the very talented performers; the vendors and the most essentially, the many volunteers who contributed from putting up banners and corflutes; letterbox delivering flyers and posters prior to the event; implementing the website and social media campaign; setting up on the Saturday afternoon and from the very early hours of Sunday morning until long after midnight following the event. Then backing up to do a check of the Common and take equipment to storage. And also to the many volunteers who helped with the bucket collection during the evening, stage managing, working in Kidzone and the Optus tent, and the helping with raffle ticket sales.
A very special thanks to the members, families, friends and colleagues of the Rotary Clubs of Macquarie Park and North Ryde who helped in so many ways. The volunteers from the Ryde East and North Ryde Scouts; , St John's Anglican Youth team and the staff from the Primary Way who helped with the set up, and pull down.. Thanks, also, to the RFS who helped keep the carpark moving and safe; the SES: the local Police; St John's Ambulance; the staff of Bendigo Community Bank, North Ryde who cared for and supported any lost elves throughout the night and the North Ryde RSL for providing the sponsorship for the fireworks display that unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the strong winds.
It takes many dedicated people to bring an event such as this together and we are very grateful to everyone involved. After a relaxing break over the Christmas and New Year period the Committee will review the event and start the planning for the 2026 Carols On the Common.
Wishing you all a very Happy and safe Christmas!
Regards
Pam Wood
Volunteer Coordinator
2025 Carols on the Common Committee
The Rotary Club of North Ryde
mobile 040803417