The City of Melbourne has reinstated its traditional nativity scene, reversing several years of what critics labelled a “woke” approach to Christmas celebrations.
The decision has been welcomed by church leaders, councillors and residents who say the move restores common sense to the city’s festive program.
The nativity scene — depicting newborn baby Jesus in the manger, with Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men and animals — will be installed at Federation Square from next Sunday. It returns as part of an expanded program of decorations and weekly Christmas carolling at City Square, which reopens today alongside the launch of the new Metro Tunnel.
Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell, who led the push for its return, said she was delighted to revive one of Melbourne’s most cherished Christmas traditions. “I am thrilled we are bringing the nativity scene back so everyone can share in the Christmas story,” she said. “We are proud to be the Christmas capital — from the Myer Christmas windows to city-wide light displays — and now the nativity scene will once again play its important role.”
The nativity scene was quietly dropped from Christmas celebrations several years ago, prompting accusations that the council’s leadership considered it insufficiently inclusive for people of other faiths. A senior Town Hall source said the council was now “de-woking” under Campbell’s deputy leadership. “There’s finally some common-sense leadership here,” the source said. “We were even too woke for baby Jesus to get a mention during Christmas — the celebration of the birth of Christ.”
Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli said he was “thrilled” by the decision, noting that nativity scenes have been central to Christian celebrations for centuries. “The image of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus speaks of hope, joy and peace — a message urgently needed in today’s world,” he said. “The humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth remind us of the needs of those on the margins.”
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he was pleased the nativity scene would return after a seven-year absence. “Christmas is a festival for everyone, but we recognise its Christian roots,” he said. “Melburnians can celebrate in the traditional way again this year.”
Small Business and Employment Minister Natalie Suleyman said the festive season delivers some of the strongest retail activity of the year and welcomed its return to Fed Square.
