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IT MAY have taken place on a different day and at a new venue but the community lunch was still about the people, says City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons.
About 350 people turned out for the annual lunch at Bendigo Stadium on Monday to enjoy a Christmas meal with friends and family.
The event, which was traditionally hosted on December 25 at Bendigo Town Hall, was this year changed to make it more sustainable.
Cr Lyons said Christmas was a lonely time for some people and the venue and date change would ensure the community lunch continued.
"(The lunch) has been happening for a number of years and last year it was held in the town hall, and we couldn't run it (there) anymore," he said.
"Council never actually ran it - it was being run by charity groups.
"This year, fortunately the stadium (committee) put their hand up and we are supporting them in getting this event on.
"I am sure the stadium is keen to continue it on.
"It's just unfortunate they don't open on Christmas Day."
Cr Lyons said the community lunch was something people would cherish.
"It's all about the people," he said.
"Christmas is a lonely time for a lot of people.
"It is about making sure their Christmas is something to remember."
The event included entertainment from a number of different acts.