Wingecarribee's first responders, volunteers and service personnel will once again been celebrated for all they do for the local community.
The Angels in our Town thank you parade will travel down Bong Bong Street, Bowral on Saturday, December 2. It will be followed by a free family concert at Corbett Gardens.
A Wingecarribee Shire Council spokesperson said they were "proud" to partner with much-loved annual event, which helps to shine a light on: "The many unseen and unsung heroes who rush to the rescue of local residents, bringing comfort and offering support when needed."
According to event organiser Antoinette Sampson "words are not enough" to convey the depth of gratitude felt by the community, for the generosity of spirit shared by the shire's Angels in Our Town.
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"So we invite you to show-up for them on this one occasion, and to join us in showering them with gratitude as they walk Bong Bong street in the 2023 Angels in Our Town street parade at 7pm," she said.
"It's a rare and exciting occasion to see so many of our hidden away angels gathered together."
According to Ms Sampson, these unsung heroes have such genuine humility that many were initially reluctant to be the centre of attention.
However, she said that those who participated in last year's inaugural parade, were left "moved" by the experience.
This year's Angels in Our Town will be joined by members of the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Services, paramedics, Red Cross, Country Women's Association, Oz Harvest, NSW Police, medical workers, teachers, volunteers and many more.
"Having so many take part in our street parade will be a powerful reminder that in times when many feel overwhelmed, we are not alone," Ms Sampson said.
"For the community to rally around the town's angels in this way does so much to uplift our collective spirits."
Hundreds of local children dressed as angels will pave the way for the town's heroes, handing out small messages of hope and kindness to community members lined along Bong Bong Street.
The positivity will then spill over into a free family concert in Corbet Gardens after the parade.
"Bring your picnic blanket and celebrate with us into the evening," Ms Sampson said.
"This is our chance to give back to those big-hearted heroes who are always on call to come alongside us when we are at our most vulnerable."
Angel Lucy is one of those unsung heroes.
The intensive care paramedic is always on the go between her work with NSW Ambulance and being a mother to three young boys.
"Belonging to a country community where I can help people I know along with those I don't makes what I do all the more meaningful," Lucy said.
Her unit covers a huge area, from Bargo down to Fitzroy Falls.
"You can't put a price on those rare occasions when you connect again out in the community with a cardiac arrest survivor and see just how much of an impact you've had in a life and everyone connected to that life," Lucy said.
"Caring for the needs of the people around the patient is every bit as important as any medical treatment I'm giving.
"I've learned it can ease the shock and anxiety they're experiencing to give them a task they can help with to make a difference to the situation so they don't feel powerless."
Lucy's intensive care skills mean she can administer medications and certain treatments that other paramedics aren't qualified to provide.
"Since I was a kid I wanted to do this. I started out as a nurse because I wasn't quite ready at the age of 18 to jump straight into an ambulance, but my love of helping people compelled me to switch careers pretty quickly," Lucy said.
Her dynamic personality thrives on the fast pace: "As soon as we stabilise one patient, we're called off to the next person in need."
"When I'm not racing around in an ambulance I'm driving my boys to school or local sports. Those community connections really enhance my effectiveness in my role.
"When I show up at the scene of an emergency you can see the fear fall away."
Walking in this year's street parade will be a first for Lucy.
"Ambos aren't people who seek the limelight," she said.
"We do what we do because we genuinely love helping people. Making a difference that can change a life is its own reward."
Angels in Our Town will set off from the corner of Banyette Street along Bong Bong Street to Corbett Gardens at 7pm.
The free family concert will be held in Corbett Gardens at 7.30pm. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, or there will also food available by local eateries.
Plan your visit at www.angelsinourtown.org.au.
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