The event, which is free to all-comers, will throw the doors of the function centre open to all and sundry at 11.30am on Christmas Day for a 12 noon lunch.

It's a free event, with no need to book unless you require transport.

Anyone needing transport - or wanting to volunteer - should call 0431 265 420.

Volunteer Clair McEwan will be volunteering for the second time this year.

"My kids have moved away and it was something good to do when I don't want to spend the day at home on my own," she said.

What did she get out of it last year?

"Tiredness," she said laughing.

"No, it was great - you have good chats with people, you get to eat the meal and it's good to be useful."

She said volunteers would come in on Christmas Eve for preparation to get tables set and pre-prepare a lot of the food, and then return on Christmas day after church at about 10am or 10.30am.

Ms McEwan said the focus of the day was on those who attended.

"The day's about them, it's not about us," she said.

"I'm doing desserts this year and in that time I might grab a coffee, and sit with someone who's on their own and have a chat.

"Often you don't know the other volunteers so you get to know them but keep an eye open so everyone's got someone to sit with."

Organiser Gill Hindmarsh said it was a "lovely tradition" entering its 22^nd year and thanked sponsors, including IGA.