Winner: The Child, Youth and Family Services Unit tackled multiple movie themes throughout its waiting room.
Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly!
And that’s what Central West Hospital and Health Service facilities have been busy doing the past few weeks as they battled to win the hard-fought annual Christmas decoration competition.
Last year’s theme for the competition was Christmas Around the World and was won by Blackall Hospital.
In 2023, the theme was Once Upon A Time in the Central West and was won by Barcaldine Multipurpose Health Service.
Central West Health Chief Executive Anthony West said this year’s Christmas decorating theme was Christmas Movies.
“We’ve all watched them and loved them. From Home Alone to Elf, Polar Express, Last Christmas, Family Switch, Bad Santa – the list is endless.
“Who could forget Bill Nighy repeatedly trying to get the words right while singing Christmas is All Around in Love Actually.
“And that’s before we even get into the annual rush of Hallmark Christmas movies.
“My own top 6 Christmas movies are: Love Actually, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Last Christmas, Trading Places, Gremlins and Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.’’
“With this year’s them of Christmas Movies, there’s been plenty of inspiration and our health facilities really got into the spirit of things.’’
Christmas decoration contenders were judged across the three criteria of Theme, Creativity and Impact.
Mr West said the displays were magnificent, and it had been hard for the judging panel to make a call.
“But a decision had to be made, and this year’s winner was our Child, Youth and Family Services Unit,’’ he said.
“Child and Youth literally turned their office into a cinema, with a ticket office, candy booth, etc and featured staff in a range of movies including The Grinch, Die Hard, Elf, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Four Holidays, Home Alone and Arthur Christmas.
“Barcaldine Multipurpose Health Service was the runner up and took a similar tack, focusing on several movies, including The Grinch, Nutcracker, Home Alone, Kiwi Christmas, Bush
Christmas and Polar Express. They showed great staff and consumer engagement.
“Jericho Primary Health Centre, which, with only two staff, did an amazing job transforming their waiting room into the Polar Express, was highly commended.
“But I also would like to commend every single one of our health facilities for the work they put it.
“I know everyone has enjoyed it, as well as the festive atmosphere the decorations created.
“The displays create a magical and joyful environment for our aged care residents, patients, staff and visitors alike.
“They help build community spirit and provide a fun and engaging way for everyone at our health facilities to get involved during the holiday season.’’