The annual tradition invited volunteers, community members, school principals, university dignitaries and local societies. It was axed as a cost-cutting measure, Cr Bishop said yesterday.

“I thought it was appropriate that we [councillors] are seen to be ‘tightening our belts’, especially in light of going to ratepayers and seeking a [one-off] 20 per cent rate rise.”

He initially believed the event cost $7000, but after a meeting with general manager Shane Burns and chief finance officer Keith Lockyer revised the figure to “about $3000”.

The decision was revealed at Monday’s meeting of Armidale Dumaresq Council, after questions from Colin Gadd.

He said residents had questioned him about the event when they hadn’t received an invitation.

   “Did the Grinch cancel Christmas drinks?” Cr Gadd asked. 

He said he was a little confused because the decision hadn’t been discussed.

After the meeting, Cr Gadd said: “This was an event for Council to express its appreciation to our many volunteers  as well as service organisations who work for the community; cancelling such an event is a false economy.”

Jim Maher said he had carried on the annual Christmas drinks when he was mayor and believed it had been on the city’s social calendar for  20 years.

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“It’s our way of thanking the community, with Council staff being the minority of attendees,” Cr Maher said.

But Cr Bishop said while he had only attended one of the events, my impression was there were councillors, Council staff and few others”.