Carols by Candlelight is one of Donnybrook’s festive traditions — a family-friendly evening of music, shared song and community spirit under the summer sky.

2025 Carols by Candlelight: A Night to Remember

Held on Saturday, 20 December 2025 at the Donnybrook Amphitheatre, this event drew a joyful crowd from across the region. Attendees settled in at the amphitheatre as the sun set, ready to enjoy a spectacular program of live entertainment.

The evening featured memorable performances from the Bunbury City Band, along with talented local singers and special guest performers who brought all the favourite Christmas carols to life. Additional highlights included performances by Diamond Performing Arts Academy and Allegra Jazz Expressions, showcasing the community’s vibrant local talent.

Delicious food options — from a sausage sizzle and coffee van to ice-cream and local favourites Merrifield Lamb and Backyard Donuts — kept spirits high throughout the night, and every element of the event ran smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and supporters.

Thanks to the Lotterywest grant and the hard work of the Lions Club volunteers, the 2025 Carols by Candlelight was a heartwarming celebration that strengthened community bonds and brought festive joy to families across Donnybrook.

Thank You to Our Supporters

The Lions Club of Donnybrook sincerely thanks Lotterywest for its generous support, and the community for coming together to make this year’s Carols by Candlelight such a success.

The post Lions Club of Donnybrook Awarded $9,000 Lotterywest Grant for 2025 Carols by Candlelight first appeared on Donnybrook Lions Club.

The echoes of laughter and melodies still linger in the air as we reflect on the enchanting festivities of the 2023 Donnybrook Lions Christmas Carols, held on the 2nd of December. It was an extraordinary night, where the community came together in the spirit of joy, unity, and celebration.

The stage was set aglow with the twinkling lights and the shimmering decorations, providing the perfect backdrop for the stellar lineup of performers who graced us with their talent. From the soulful tunes of the Bunbury Band to the mesmerising melodies of the Brookhampton Bell Ringers, each act brought a unique charm that warmed the hearts of all in attendance. Allegra Jazz Expressions transported us with their smooth rhythms, while the Diamond Performing Arts Academy dazzled us with their captivating performances, truly embodying the magic of the season.

But the magic didn’t stop there! Families and friends embarked on a whimsical journey aboard the festive train ride, weaving through a magical landscape adorned with lights and holiday decor. Laughter and joy filled the air as children and adults alike marveled at the sights, creating cherished memories for another generation.

And who could forget the moment we had all been waiting for? At 7:15 pm, the atmosphere was electric as Santa Claus made his grand entrance, spreading cheer and goodwill as he listened to the hopes and dreams of each and every attendee. The gleeful squeals of children and the warm smiles of parents illuminated the night, reminding us all of the true meaning of the holiday season.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup and Lotterywest. Their unwavering commitment to our community helped us create an event that will be cherished for years to come. Many thanks again to John Hayes and his team from EventsWest for their time and energy with the sound and lighting expertise and thankyou to the Donnybrook Mens Shed and Donnybrook Balingup Chamber of Commerce for lending the new community Santa chair which had quite a busy weekend.

To all who joined us on this magical evening, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your presence, your laughter, and your spirit of togetherness made this event truly special. As we bid farewell to another year of Christmas Carols, we look forward to creating even more magical memories with you in the years ahead.

Until we meet again next year, may the spirit of the season continue to fill your hearts with joy, peace, and love.

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Donnybrook C.W.A – Cooking Up a New Beginning The Donnybrook C.W.A has been an integral part of our community for years, bringing people together through shared experiences and a commitment to service. Their initiative to refurbish the CWA Rooms’ kitchen is a testament to their dedication to providing a welcoming space for gatherings and events. A project that has been several years in the making is now nearly complete with further wish list items able to be added back in with the Lions Club of Donnybrook 2023 Community Grant awarding $14,000 towards the project such as stainless steel island preparation bench, servery shutters and bathroom mirrors. The renovated kitchen will undoubtedly enhance the C.W.A’s ability to host various events and continue their tradition of promoting community engagement.

The Lions Community Grant also extended support to five other deserving groups in our community:
The Donnybrook Town Team – $3,007.00 for installation of public art installations and streetscapes
Kirup Primary School P&C – $4,795.00 towards basketball backboard upgrades & nets
Donnybrook District High School P&C – $476.00 for the Student Recycling Program
Donnybrook & Districts Country Music Club – $2,508.00 for monthly Dances & Jams
Leschenault Catchment Council – $2,287.76 towards Possum Drey Workshops in 2024

Each of these projects reflects the diverse and vibrant nature of our community, showcasing the impact that collective efforts can have on enhancing our town’s livability. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the grant recipients and express our gratitude for their commitment to making our community a better place for everyone. The Lions Community Grant continues to be a symbol of our shared vision for a thriving and supportive community. Thank you to all the community groups for your dedication and hard work. We look forward to witnessing the positive transformations that these projects will bring to Donnybrook. *Together, we make a difference!*

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We have all heard the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” But this same concept applies to much more than child rearing—it any task or project that requires a team effort. When we combine our individual strengths and talents, we can achieve amazing results that would not be possible alone. The power of community is on full display in the small town of Donnybrook, where a group of residents came together to purchase a milling machine, and put it to good use.

The Lions Club of Donnybrook was instrumental in the purchase of the milling machine for the Donnybrook Mens Shed. This machine was used to remove 0.85mm from a CNC router adapter plate, allowing accurate alignment of the ball screws. This was a critical step in the construction of the router unit.

The Benefits of Collaboration

Collaboration is not only beneficial for the project at hand, but it also has positive long-term effects on the community as a whole. When people come together to work on a project, they build relationships, learn new skills, and gain a better understanding of each other. This in turn strengthens the bonds of the community and encourages collaboration on future projects.

The success of community groups like this relies on volunteer commitment and is a testament to the power of community. We can only imagine the possibilities if other towns were to follow Donnybrook’s Mens Shed example and come together to work on projects. The future of Donnybrook looks bright, and it is thanks to the people who have put in the hard work to make it so. The residents of Donnybrook have proven that collaboration is an effective way to make progress and create positive change. We can all learn from their example and strive to work together to accomplish our own goals.

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