Malcolm Turnbull gets festive love and belts out seasonal carols as he celebrates the holiday with the homeless and the lonely
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been welcomed like a rock star at a Christmas street party with Sydney’s self-described biggest family.
Mr Malcolm Turnbull and his daughter, Daisy, joined an expected 800 people at the Chapel for an elaborate street feast for the lonely and those in need.
The nation’s leader even belted out a rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing with carolers.
About 800 people were expected at the Wayside Chapel for Christmas lunch and several hundred who attended an earlier church service greeted the prime minster, hoping for a selfie with the popular local MP.
The casually dressed PM slipped into the choir and sang several carols before addressing the crowd, all of whom seemed stoked with his appearance at their Christmas party.
“This is a great place,” he announced before hugging Wayside Chapel’s Rev Graham Long to cheers from the crowd. “There is no better example of love, of following in the footsteps of Jesus and practising love and helping people who are struggling and battling.”
‘There is no better example of love, of following in the footsteps of Jesus, in practical love,’ Mr Turnbull told the assembled crowd, which included some 200 volunteers.
Wayside CEO Reverend Graham Long also was sure to set up a jumping castle, temporary tattoo pair and a place for kids to take a photo with Santa at the chapel.
Rev. Long said: ‘The highlight is at about 1pm in the afternoon on Christmas Day when you see rough sleepers and community members all dancing together in the street.
‘If that doesn’t do it for you, nothing will.’
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in his special holiday greetings noted:
This is a very special time as the year comes to an end and we draw closer to family and dear friends.
“But for many of us it is not so happy. Poverty, loneliness, illness, the loss of loved ones – these shadows hang heavier at Christmas” PM Turnbull reminded.
“We can lift some of those shadows by sharing our love with others – beyond our family and close friends. This might mean inviting a lonely friend or workmate to your Christmas dinner – a few “strangers and orphans” can add variety to your company!”
PM Turnbull urged people to donate time or money, local charities like the Wayside Chapel, the Matthew Talbot Hostel and WAYS Youth Services will turn your gift into practical love for those who are struggling.
Nationally, the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, Soldier On and the Black Dog Institute also do wonderful work all year, and especially at Christmas, he mentioned.
“We should also remember this Christmas to thank those who are protecting us at home and abroad – the men and women of the Australian Defence Force as well as our Police, security, emergency and firefighting services” Mr. Turnbull added.
