A UNIVERSITY student on holiday break in the Blue Lake city has played a meaningful role in this year’s NF McDonnell & Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade.
Former Mount Gambier resident Laura Turley volunteered her time to be part of the Mount Gambier Hospital maternity and paediatric unit’s float A Special Delivery with a vacancy needing to be filled.
Ms Turley, whose mother works in the unit, said she was asked to play to the role of Mary in the float’s nativity scene.
“It was my first time as an adult being involved with the parade which was exciting,” she said.
“Mary is such an important figure in the Catholic Church and she has always been someone I have looked up to and wanted to be, ever since I can remember.
“Volunteers were needed and I have wanted to play Mary for many years, so I was excited when the opportunity came up.”
Ms Turley said the float theme tied in well with both the festive season and the maternity and paediatric unit.
“Jesus was a special delivery, as are all deliveries and children looked after in the unit,” Mr Turley said.
“The idea came from a midwife who thought it would be a great way to give back to the community and say thank you for all of the generous donations given to the unit.
Ms Turle said the opportunity to ride on the float was a highlight.
“I could see everybody on the street and this float was much smaller than the others that I have been in which I found meaningful,” she said.
“It was also great to be involved as an adult as I was able to see the excitement of the children and was able to witness how special Christmas and the pageant is to many.
“I have always loved being involved in the parade and love Christmas as it is a time for family and for the Mount Gambier community to gather to celebrate.”
Ms Turley said the parade also had a special meaning to her now she is away from home studying at university for most of the year.
“Coming home for things like Christmas and the parade make this time even more special,” she said.
“One of the other midwives has well-known champion Clydesdale horses and the idea grew from there.
“The donkey’s owner volunteered her time and the lambs had weeks of training by one of the staff in preparation for the parade.”
Ms Turley said the costumes, props, manger and barn were all made by the nurses, midwives and their families.
“I think the event ran well,” she said.
“It was a great atmosphere and we loved seeing all of the smiling faces of the children watching the pageant.”
The float won the open category.
