Local residents David and Tegan Chick, Loren and Chris Lawn and Teana and Sean Pain have been recognised for their spectacular Christmas displays, taking out top prizes in Mildura Rural City Council's 2025 Christmas Lights Competition.
The annual competition, delivered in partnership with the Sunraysia Daily, invited residents to register their addresses on Council's online Christmas Lights Map, with entries featured weekly in the Sunraysia Daily leading up to Christmas.
The community was also invited to vote for their favourite display via Council's website.
David and Tegan Chick's display located at Coorong Avenue, Irymple took out first prize, earning a $500 Mildura City Heart Gift Card.
"Everyone calls our house the Bluey house," David said, referencing the famous Australian children's cartoon. "This year I added all the Bluey characters so literally a big prop of all the family and they sing all the songs."
It is the fourth year the Chicks have put up the display and he said it was getting "bigger and bigger every year" with hundreds of people coming through each night.
"It gets a bit out of control, probably too much sometimes, but that is what it is about I guess," David said with a laugh. "I just enjoy when I hear the kids laughing and screaming, they love it and that is why we do it."
Second and third prizes were awarded to Loren and Chris Lawn for their display at Darlington Parade, Mildura, and Teana and Sean Pain for their display at Barclay Boulevard, Red Cliffs, with each receiving a $250 gift card to spend at local businesses.
Deputy Mayor Cr Helen Healy congratulated all three winners and thanked the community for embracing the festive spirit.
"It's fantastic to see so many homes and businesses getting involved every year, and we received an outstanding number of entries in this year's competition," Cr Healy said.
"Thank you to everyone who took the time to decorate, and a special thanks to the Sunraysia Daily for their continued support of this great community initiative. It brings so much joy to everyone."
The 2025 competition saw more than 100 addresses participate, with Council's online map viewed over 9,500 times by the public.
Sunraysia Daily Advertising Manager Greg Herrick said the competition continues to grow in popularity each year.
"Seeing the creativity and effort put into these displays is always a highlight of the festive season," Mr Herrick said.
"We're proud to support an initiative that brings joy to the community and showcases our region's creativity."
