02/10/2025
It’s hard to find the words. After nine years of giving my time as Musical Director of the Douglas Shire Carols by Candlelight (2016–2024), conducting the Creative Souls Choir, choreographing performances, auditioning singers, purchasing sheet music and tracks, and choosing songs that brought joy to our community—I’ve been told we’re no longer required.
Carols by Candlelight has always been my favourite performance of the year. As Mrs Claus, I’ve watched children grow into confident teens, seen families return year after year, and felt the magic of Christmas through music and community spirit. We’ve performed through floods, venue changes, and even COVID—filming online carols and decorating the Clink Theatre with love and resilience. We made it happen, no matter what.
Last year, Council staff offered to fund the event and return it to the Showgrounds. We in good faith entered into planning with hope. Days after receiving an agreement, they pulled out, change of direction.
This year, out of the blue I received a phone call asking if my choir would like “a segment singing carols” in a new council christmas event at mossman show grounds. We then saw Council was advertising for sponsorship funding from local businesses, also announcing businesses that have agreed to sponsor the council event that for years have sponsored our carols. We cannot compete with a publicly funded event and local businesses sponsoring another event, making it impossible for us to fund our own Carols.
I’m extremely insulted. Council claims they want a more “community-involved” event, yet every year we’ve welcomed anyone who wanted to be part of it—the local music schools, singing students, Highland Dance School, BIM, even a hearing-impaired signer. We’ve always worked in partnership, not exclusion.
I’m heartbroken. I’ve spent the day looking at photos and videos—My son Nathan was just nine when he sang in his first Carols. These memories matter. This legacy matters.
To everyone who’s sung with us, danced with us, decorated with us, and believed in the power of music to unite—thank you. You made it magical.
Jennifer Kerr
Creative Souls Studio
