Centacare’s annual Christmas Concert went ahead despite an untimely power outage caused by storms on Wednesday evening, November 28.

The end of year performance night and Christmas party, held at Centacare Day Centre in Leith Street, West Kempsey got under way at 5pm with the premiere of the movie, ‘Who stole Christmas’, which was put together by clients and staff throughout the year.

Kempsey’s Centacare Manager, Lorraine Cornell, said everyone was settling in to enjoy the show when the power went out, leaving the audience in suspense.

“We took a break for supper and party food, hoping that the power would be back on soon, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case,” Ms Cornell said.

“Rather than abandon the whole program we improvised, moving the second part of the program outside and using a vehicle sound system so our performers could entertain the audience with some drumming and singing items,” she added.

“It was disappointing that we couldn’t show the whole movie, however, we do have DVD’s of it available for sale with proceeds going back into next year’s production.”

Team leader for the centre-based service Theresa Falconer said she was extremely proud of how well the performers handled the disruption to the evening, ensuring the show went on as best it could.

“I was wonderful to see our performers and their family and friends still getting into the spirit of our Christmas Concert, making it an occasion to remember.”

For more information about the Centacare centre-based service or information about NDIS programs contact Theresa Falconer on 6562 2602 or Lorraine Cornell at Centacare on 6562 3918.

“I was assistant priest to Father Donnelly at St Agnes’ Parish from 1990 to 1995 so it feels like I have come full circle,” he said.

“Father Donnelly and I have been firm friends since that time and I am pleased that he now has the opportunity to slow down a bit.

“One of my priorities as I settle in is to get to know the parish community, some are familiar faces but there are also many new ones to get to know.”

St Agnes’ chief executive officer Adam Spencer said no one deserved the blessings of a peaceful retirement more than Fr Donnelly.

“Our parish is fortunate that a man of Father Paul’s calibre has been appointed as Father D’s successor – he will be a great asset to the parish,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with Father Paul to serve the needs of our parish and the community.” Fr Donnelly has retired close by at The Francis Retreat in Bonny Hills.