Install a Nativity Scene at the Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree events held at Raby Bay Harbour

Principal Petitioner: Delia Wilson

Closing Date: 4.30pm, Tuesday 13 May 2025

At 10 signatures, this petition will be considered properly made.

Petition Request:

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated globally. While it has become a global cultural event marked by gift giving, family gatherings, its Christian roots centre on the Nativity...the story of Jesus birth as told in the Gospels. The nativity scene is a visual representation of this sacred event and is a cherished Christmas tradition. It serves as a spiritual reminder of the significance of celebrating Christmas. Through its simplicity and symbolism, the nativity scene invites reflection on themes of hope, humility, and divine love...the core message of the Christmas story.

Petition Response:

This petition was presented by Cr Jason Colley at the General Meeting held on Wednesday 21 May 2025.The matter was defined as operational in nature and referred to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.

Council investigated the petition request and provided a response to the Principal Petitioner on 13 June 2025 as follows:

In delivering a Christmas event for the entire community, Council investigates a range of factors, including budget and site constraints and the diverse interests of the community.

Council's Christmas event is secular in nature to ensure inclusivity for the whole community, with the focus being on a social event that emphasises family, generosity, and togetherness.

At present, Council's Christmas celebration priority remains creating activations and events that are a joyful and inclusive celebration for everyone in the community. Council does not currently have a plan for a Christmas nativity scene to be installed as part of the Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree event and Raby Bay Harbour.

as part of our city-wide Christmas celebrations, community events are encouraged to register via our What's on calendar. Council would encourage churches displaying nativity scenes to register their displays with public open hours, so Council can promote these to the wider community.