IN PICTURES: Katanning St John’s volunteers celebrate Christmas

Katanning celebrated Christmas with the local St John WA volunteers on Saturday evening to bring the festive cheer to the town’s first responders. The community enjoyed refreshments, food and secret Santa gift-giving at the Katanning St John sub-centre and were treated to a visit from their own Derek Stock who dressed as Santa Claus. Katanning locals Kath Kellow and Phil Guppy catered for the event, providing sumptuous meals for all who attended. Katanning St John chair Barbara Groves said it was rewarding for the crew to be recognised by the community for their efforts throughout the year and hoped it inspired more people to join the crew. “Our Christmas party was a way of saying thank you to our wonderful volunteers and transport officers for the countless hours they put into providing service to our community,” Ms Groves said. “It was also to thank and acknowledge our partners who fit in with us dashing off without a moment’s notice to be able to provide the service. “We are always after more volunteers, even if it’s just one day per week.” Ms Groves also extended her Christmas well wishes to Great Southerners and hopes it is a safe and joyful holiday season for all. “We wish that everyone has a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and that everyone looks after each other,” she said.