Laughter spilled across the afternoon as families gathered for the Yawuru Community Christmas Party in Broome on Thursday, where children clambered onto train rides, cooled off on the slippery slide and settled into craft tables dotted across the grounds.
Yawuru are the Traditional Owners of the Broome area, and through Nyamba Buru Yawuru — the Aboriginal corporation which represents Yawuru people — community events such as the Christmas Party provide an opportunity for families to come together on Country.
Christmas carols floated through the heat while plates were piled high with food, keeping spirits high despite the tropical sun.
Santa made his much-anticipated arrival after a long trip from the North Pole, sensibly swapping boots for thongs to suit the Kimberley weather.
Leading the way was Jir, the Yawuru Brahminy Kite, guiding Santa and his reindeer safely across the skies and onto Country.
Inside the NBY offices, the annual Christmas cubicle competition added another layer of fun, with staff decorating their workspaces and children acting as judges.
This year's winners were the Housing and Legal team, whose gingerbread house-themed cubicle took out top honours.
With music from the Broome Community Choir and a strong turnout from local families, the afternoon unfolded exactly as intended; joyful and grounded in community.
It was a reminder that in Broome, Christmas is as much about connection as it is about celebration.
