Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for the Halstead family and this year will be extra special with young William selected to switch on the community’s Christmas lights.
In a Pageant of Lights tradition, the Bundaberg Hospital children’s ward has nominated William to join Mayor Jack Dempsey for the official turning on of the community Christmas lights.
Williams’s mother Rebecca said they found out he was selected to turn the lights on through their Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service connected care nurse.
“It has been a difficult year for him medically, and they have been an integral part of Will’s journey,” Rebecca said.
“We feel very lucky to be a part of this event as a family and our community is very important to us.
“Will has a great school, a great paediatrician and a very supportive team here, we have no intentions of living anywhere else.
“We create memories every year we have a Christmas with Will and this year his sister Eva will help him turn on the lights as his disability limits his ability to move.
“We are most looking forward to them having this memory forever.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey said he was honoured to turn on the Christmas lights with William and his family.
“The Halstead family certainly represents the true spirit of Christmas,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“To have them officially turn on the Christmas lights and share in this community celebration is inspirational.
“I encourage everyone to come along and share in the excitement of the Pageant of Lights celebrating the start of the festive season.”
The Pageant of Light festivities begin at 5.30 pm on Thursday 30 November, with the official welcome and turning on of the lights from 7 pm in Buss Park, next to the Council Chambers in Bourbong Street.
The parade of community floats will spread Christmas cheer all the way along Bourbong Street, following the turning on of the lights.
Pageant of Lights
Thursday 30 November – 5.30 to 9 pm
Bundaberg CBD – Bourbong Street
Free event
For all the information on Council’s Christmas events view the full program here.
Temporary road closures for Pageant of Lights
- Bourbong Street – outbound lane and inbound u-turn lanes between Maryborough and Barolin Streets, also Barolin and Targo Streets from 3 pm
- Bourbong Street – between Targo and Maryborough Streets from 4.00 to 10.30 pm.
- Bourbong Street – between Walla and Targo Streets from 4.30 to 8.30 pm
- Tantitha Street – between Woongarra Street to the front of First Choice (turning area) from 4.30 to 8.30 pm
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