Dubbo seniors invited to ‘Country Meets Christmas’ concert

1 September 2026

The Minns Labor Government is doubling the Christmas cheer this festive season with the popular Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts set to hit the stage at the Dubbo Regional Convention Centre on 24 November.

For the first time since launching in 2013, the Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts will tour six regional communities this year from 24 November to 9 December. Last year, Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts were held in three communities.

Free concerts will be performed at venues across Dubbo, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Cooma, Bega and Batemans Bay with a combined capacity for more than 2,000 seniors to enjoy the shows.

Featuring Glen Innes-born country music artist Darren Coggan and his indie songwriter daughter Olivia, this year’s concerts will evoke a Country Meets Christmas vibe. 

The family duo will blend their country music flair with traditional Christmas favourites in a 90-minute show guaranteed to inspire audiences to sing along in delight.

Guests will be treated to a selection of renowned songs including Take me Home, Country Roads from John Denver, Happy Xmas from John Lennon and some of Darren Coggan’s own masterpieces like Always Believe in Love and This Christmas.

Dubbo Seniors Regional Christmas Concert

Location: Dubbo Regional Convention Centre, 155 Darling Street, Dubbo

Date: Tuesday, 24 November

Time: 11am to 12.30pm

Book: www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Tickets will be available online from 9am on Tuesday, 8 September.

Group bookings for 10 to 20 people are encouraged from aged care facilities, retirement villages, seniors social groups and additional seniors organisations.

High demand for tickets is expected, and locals are encouraged to apply fast to avoid disappointment.

The Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts form part of the NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.

The 2027 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 1 March to 14 March under the theme Discover. Connect. Celebrate!

The NSW Seniors Festival is a key initiative targeted to strengthen social inclusion and celebrate the contribution of seniors across the state.

For more information on the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts and ticket bookings visit: www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors in Dubbo make an outstanding contribution to their community and the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts is the NSW Government’s Christmas gift to them.

“The feedback from seniors who attend these concerts each year is overwhelmingly positive, which is why we are spreading the joy far and wide by doubling the number of concerts this year to six regional communities.

“We are excited to see Christmas celebrations kick off early and I encourage local seniors in Dubbo to join in the festivities and sing along.”

Performer Darren Coggan said:

“The love of Christmas is family and what a beautiful gift it will be for me to share the stage and harness all the whimsical magic of the Australian Christmas season with my daughter Olivia on this wonderful tour.

“There has always been something infinitely special about Christmas in our house, a cherished time of togetherness, catching up with friends, family and those whom we hold close.

“We hope to bring that same sense of joy and reflection to the stage in these Country Meets Christmas concerts, performing for seniors across regional NSW.”

Labor spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“Our just-announced upcoming concert mixes Country music and Christmas songs at the Dubbo Regional Convention Centre this November.”

“It’s a fantastic event at a great venue for Seniors as we roll into the Christmas season.

“Best of all: it’s all free, so we can allow Seniors to have fun without hurting the hip pocket!”