A popular entertainment venue in western Sydney has been slammed for using the ‘diversity’ of its customers to explain a lack of Christmas decorations.
West HQ, the entertainment precinct in Rooty Hill, came under scrutiny from Blacktown councillor Allan Green this month when he noticed the venue was almost devoid of Christmas decorations.
Blacktown City Council held a Christmas party at the venue and was forced to bring in decorations of its own.
Mr Green challenged West HQ over its apparent lack of cheer, and received a statement from its customer service manager.
‘As a premium destination in Greater Sydney, we will continue to celebrate the holiday season, as we have in previous years, with consideration of the diversity of cultures who visit the West HQ precinct,’ the statement said.
Mr Green was left baffled at the response, including its refusal to even mention the word ‘Christmas’.
‘It’s surprising from a cultural point of view, and very disappointing, but it’s also not a very smart marketing move,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘People from all different backgrounds celebrate Christmas. It’s a worldwide tradition – it’s even celebrated in the Middle East.
Pictured is the photo shared by Blacktown Councilor Allan Green showing West HQ’s apparent lack of Christmas cheer
Mr Green (right) says Christmas is an important part of maintaining Australian culture
‘It seems the (West HQ) management is still in the pre-enlightened Grinch stage.’
Mr Green said the statement was nonsensical because the largest ethnic group in Rooty Hill is Filipinos, for whom Christmas is a major celebration.
‘They have the longest Christmas celebration in the world which begins in September in the Philippines,’ he said.
‘It is also worth noting the population of Blacktown City still has a majority Christian culture-based ethnic backgrounds so cultural diversity is not a good reason to downplay Christmas.
‘We want to maintain our Australian culture and this is a very important part of that.
‘Some people say Christmas is commercial but there is that spiritual side that’s important.’
Mr Allan received dozens of supportive comments on his post to social media.
‘Disgraceful,’ said one user. ‘Being respectful of other cultures goes both ways and should not involve the woke cancellation of any sign of Christmas’.
West HQ, once dubbed the ‘Vegas of the west,’ is a cornerstone of Sydney’s cultural and entertainment scene
‘West HQ needs to be called out for cancelling Christmas,’ said another.
‘The manager is probably out of touch with the general community,’ said a third.
When Mr Green’s post was shared on Reddit, however, the reception was far more negative.
‘Absolutely no reason for any local representatives to be fighting any kind of social issues regardless of which side they’re on,’ said one.
A West HQ spokesperson said the venue ‘loves celebrating Christmas along with most other important events throughout the year that bring family and friends together from all walks of life’.
‘While decorations are one way to celebrate, we do invest in other initiatives for this joyous day, including our special Christmas menus, Christmas raffles, live music and family entertainment,’ the spokesperson said.
‘And, on listening to our members feedback this year, we will be investing in more decorations for Christmas 2025.’
