On Sunday 22 December, Randwick City Council's signature Coogee Carols event became a bushfire appeal fundraiser. To kick off the event, Randwick Council donated $5000 to the appeal along with $10,000, which was donated to the drought affected communities of Temora and Narrabri Shire Councils.

On the night of the carols, all proceeds made from the sale of Santa hats and candle lights were also donated to the bushfire appeal. Many people opted to donate without making a purchase.

Randwick City Council would like to thank all of those who attended and who donated. The total amount raised from community donations and purchases on the night was more than $11,000.

"This is an amazing effort and really shows the generosity and compassion of our community," says Randwick Mayor Danny Said. "Christmas is a time of giving and our community passionately cares about those who have been affected by the fires."

The money will be donated to The Salvation Army's Bushfire Appeal and will be directed towards those in NSW and QLD whose communities, homes and livelihoods have been devastated by the fires.

We'd like to extend our thanks to all of those who attended the carols.