The Illawarra community witnessed a heartwarming spectacle of joy as the annual KidsWish Christmas Party returned to Symbio Wildlife Park, creating unforgettable memories for thousands of children and their families.
A Day of Pure Celebration for Special Guests
On December 8, 2025, Symbio Wildlife Park transformed into a wonderland for a very special group of guests. The free event, organised by KidsWish, is dedicated to children living with disability or illness, offering a day packed with laughter and festive spirit. Families enjoyed the park's attractions in a supportive and celebratory atmosphere designed to be remembered forever.
Adding to the magic was a special visit from Mercury Max, the beloved mascot of the Illawarra Mercury. Max mingled with the children, posed for photos, and helped amplify the day's excitement. The presence of characters like Anna and Elsa from Fairy Fantasy Parties, pictured with guests Sophie Wood, Davinah French, and Stevie-Lee Wood, added a touch of fairy-tale enchantment to the proceedings.
From Concert Hall to Wildlife Park: The Evolution of an Iconic Event
The KidsWish Christmas Party is a cornerstone of the Illawarra community calendar. Since its inception in 2004, the event has brought joy to tens of thousands of children facing health challenges. For many years, it was a large-scale concert held at the WIN Entertainment Centre, growing annually to accommodate thousands of attendees.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a significant change. KidsWish innovatively reimagined the celebration, moving it to Symbio Wildlife Park. This new "Wild Christmas" format proved to be a huge success, becoming the much-loved and highly anticipated annual tradition it is today. The Illawarra Mercury continues to be a proud supporter of this vital community initiative.
A Lasting Legacy of Community Support
The success of the KidsWish Christmas Party underscores the powerful spirit of the Illawarra region. By providing a day of unbridled fun and inclusion, the event offers a valuable respite and a powerful message of community support for families navigating complex challenges.
As captured in photos by Robert Peet, the smiles on the faces of children like Lily-Rose Middleton-Davies and Judy Davies with Mercury Max tell the true story of the day's impact. The event stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of KidsWish and its partners to creating moments of pure happiness for Illawarra's most deserving children.
