Reverend Veronica Bradley of the Uniting Church said it had been a terrible year for so many people and was a very difficult decision to call off the annual event.

The event is run annually by volunteers and attracts a wide variety of people who for whatever reason might be alone, in need of support or doing it tough at Christmas.

"I'd really like people to know we have not cancelled it lightly and that they definitely aren't forgotten," she said.

"We're thinking of them and praying."

Rev Bradley said normally she begins to plan for the Christmas lunch in August, but the restrictions in place then and now made it impossible to push on with the event.

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"With not knowing one week to the next what the restrictions were going to be and how it was going to look, I found it challenging," she said.

Rev Bradley said they considered other options, but because of the age and vulnerability of some attendees and volunteers it was hard to find an appropriate solution.

"The whole point of the Christmas lunch is not about food, but about being able to get together," she said.

"We won't be having lunch but will be offering people in need support."

Rev Bradley said they endeavour to deal with requests on a case-by-case basis and provide everything from food to pastoral support and a friendly voice on the phone.

She said throughout the year the church, and many across the region, had been doing their best to support those in need despite the difficulties of COVID.

People can contact the church on 03 5721 6555.