The countdown to Christmas is on and residents across the Mildura region are encouraged to light up their homes, workplaces and businesses to help spread festive cheer.
Mildura Rural City Council has again partnered with the Sunraysia Daily to deliver the annual Christmas Lights Competition – an initiative aimed to spark joy, celebrate creativity and showcase all that is special about our community.
Santa and Mrs Claus made an early appearance this week to help officially launch the competition and to switch on the lights at Council's newly installed eight-metre-high Christmas tree in Deakin Avenue.
Mildura Mayor Ali Cupper said this year marks the fifth year Council has partnered with the Sunraysia Daily to bring the much-loved initiative to life.
"This is such a special time of the year for our community. It's a time to come together, reflect and celebrate everything that makes our community connected," Cr Cupper said.
"The competition encourages creativity and is a wonderful way for people to get out and enjoy all that our region has to offer."
Property owners who decorate their homes or businesses are invited to register their address on Council's online Christmas Lights Map.
The map will be updated daily and featured in the Sunraysia Daily throughout December and into the New Year, helping families plan their own festive light tours across the region.
All registered addresses will also be in the running to win one of three Mildura City Heart Gift cards for Best Decorated Address.
First prize will receive a Mildura City Heart gift card valued at $500, while second and third prize winners will each take home a gift card valued at $250.
Cr Cupper encouraged the community to get behind the initiative as the festive season builds.
"Across our municipality there's a fantastic line-up of events and activities, from celebrations in the City Heart and at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre, to Community Carols and our popular New Year's Eve festivities," Cr Cupper said.
"As the countdown to Christmas begins, I encourage everyone to spread the word to get involved - light up your homes, workplaces and businesses, and help brighten our community as the year draws to a close."
Sunraysia Daily General Manager Glenn Robinson said the newspaper had been publishing an annual Christmas Lights Map for more than a decade and was proud to continue the partnership with Mildura Rural City Council.
"We will publish the map weekly in our print edition from now until the New Year and look forward to seeing many new addresses added to it," Mr Robinson said.
Last year, more than 80 addresses took part in the competition, with over 80,000 views recorded on Council's online map.
To register your address and vote for the Best Decorated Address go to www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Lights
Upcoming events:
- Santa's Arrival
10.30am, Saturday 29th November
- Santa's Workshop opens
Saturday 29th November until Christmas Eve
- Mildura Visitor Information Centre Christmas Shopping Night
5pm to 7pm, Wednesday 3 December
- Mildura City Heart Christmas Twilight Market
4pm to 8pm, Thursday 4 December
- Community Carols
See What's On Mildura
- Mildura Entertainment presents New Years Eve
6pm, Wednesday 31 December
For all upcoming events visit www.eventsmildura.com.au
