Mayor Julia Leu launched the 2015 Christmas Appeal for the Douglas Shire to help provide some festive cheer for local families who may be struggling financially.

“The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal helps families in our community who may be doing it tough, with funds from the Appeal used to buy food for Christmas hampers,” Mayor Leu said.

“Council appreciates the continued support of the Ministers’ Fraternal, local church volunteers and Jawunkarra Indigenous Family Support Service who give their time each year to help pack and deliver hampers across the Shire.

“Christmas is a special time of the year for giving and donations are also welcome from the community.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community last year, over 40 hampers were delivered to families in our Shire.”

This year’s appeal kicked off with a generous donation from the Mossman Branch of the Country Women’s Association, represented by CWA Secretary Maureen Burcombe.

“We were very successful with our last Christmas Raffle and would like to share some of the funds to help those in need at a time such as Christmas,” Mrs Burcombe said.

Donation forms are available at www.douglas.qld.gov.au, Council’s Mossman and Port Douglas Customer Service Offices, Mossman Library and Library Kiosk@Port.  Donations of $2 or more are Tax Deductible.

Families with children aged 15 years and under, holding a Federal Government benefits card are eligible to apply for a food hamper from Monday 19 October until 4.30pm 30 November 2015.

Applications may be made at Mossman Community Centre, Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Jawunkarra Indigenous Family Support Service or Council’s Mossman Administration Building in Front Street or Port Douglas Community Hub, Port Douglas Community Hall, Mowbray Street.

Where to apply for a Mayor’s Christmas Appeal hamper:

Mossman Community Centre
20 Mill St Mossman 
Ph: 4098 2005
Tuesday to Friday by appointment

Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre
6-10 Mowbray St Port Douglas
Ph:  4099 5518
Weekdays 9am to 4pm

Jawunkarra Indigenous Family Support Service
7 Johnston Rd Mossman
Ph:  4098 3244
Monday and Wednesday 9am to Noon

Douglas Shire Council
Administration Office
64-66 Front St Mossman
Ph: 4099 9444
Weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm

Douglas Shire Council Customer Service Office
Port Douglas Community Hall
Mowbray Street
Weekdays 9.00am to 4.00pm