Santa came to town, Council lit up Oamaru's Christmas tree, The Grainstore hosted another legendary act, industry training graduates got to celebrate with the Mayor and some key infrastructure works began around our community.

Donna Demente's, The Grainstore saw another fabulous gig last night - Music four years in the making coming to Ōamaru. Keep an eye on this venue with some incredible acts delivered up in a very cool, very intimate way.

We saw the Next stage of Kakanui bridge replacement underway with ground testing in anticipation of the new bridge "to serve our community for the next century or more".

New kitchen classroom adds flavour to Weston learning, with three fully equipped kitchens to be installed to ultimately provide a complete garden-to-table learning experience. Awesome initiative!

In our community we saw the good and the not so good - our head of news, Ashley Smyth, sat down with Steve Baker of Volunteer South to find out more about the benefits of volunteering - Volunteer roles rewarding for both sides and Waitaki industry training graduates were rewarded with certificates in a ceremony with friends and family, presented by our Mayor - Industry training graduates celebrate success.

Meantime, Otago Regional Council urged people to be more careful about what they burn, Outdoor burning of toxic items prompts warning. Important read, let's make the effort to be smart about what we're burning.

On national news, Taika Waititi premiered his new movie celebrating Pasifika, 'Not many of us': Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi paves way for Pasifika representation on the big screen and the new government offered up a new provincial fun - NZ First's new provincial fund won't be a 'slush fund' this time - Chris Bishop.

If you missed the Santa Parade last week, have a look at our pics, Santa Claus came to town, and Ōamaru loved it - guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Now, check out the What's On Guide for what's happening this weekend and enjoy being out and about in our beautiful district. And while you're out there, don't forget to shop local this Christmas - we really have the best, right here.

Enjoy the puzzles. Have a great weekend!

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