Moira Shire Council is helping to spread Christmas cheer again this year through its Festive Funding program.
Council has provided $16,000 in grants to support community groups and organisations planning festive season events and activities. The grants will help cover costs for decorations, entertainment and other event needs.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM highlighted the program's role in fostering community spirit.
"The festive season is a wonderful time for our community to come together. Council's Festive Funding program supports local groups in hosting events that celebrate this joyful time of year," Dr Emonson said.
"With activities happening throughout the Shire, residents can enjoy celebrations in their own communities. We're excited to see a variety of events across our larger towns as well as smaller communities like Kaarimba, Wunghnu and St James."
The Festive Funding program offers up to $1000 for groups in smaller towns and up to $2000 for larger towns, including Yarrawonga, Cobram, Numurkah and Nathalia, ensuring holiday cheer is spread across the Shire.
Festive activities funded this year are:
- Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism & Business: Decorations throughout the CBD.
- Wunghnu & District Voice: Community barbecue on Saturday, December 6; town decorations.
- St James Golf Club: Community barbecue on Sunday, December 7; decorations in the town's rose garden (in honour of Kathy Beattie).
- Nathalia Barmah Business & Tourism: Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6; Carols by Candlelight on Thursday, December 11.
- Cobram Barooga Business & Tourism: Carols by Candlelight in Barooga Botanical Gardens on Sunday, December 14.
- Katunga Primary School: End-of-year school concert.
- Strathmerton Steering Committee - Lions Club: Community barbecue on Friday, December 19; End-of-year school concert.
- Kaarimba Public Hall: Community barbecue on Friday, December 19; town decorations.
- Numurkah Lions Club: Carols by Candlelight and community barbecue in Newman Square on Friday, December 19.
- Katamatite Cricket Club: Community barbecue on Saturday, December 20.
- Lions Club of Tungamah and District: Carols by Candlelight on Sunday, December 21.
- Numurkah Community Learning Centre: Christmas luncheon for isolated community members on Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve).
