It's time to get into the festive spirit with Blacktown City's Christmas Lights Competition and Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal.
Entries in the popular lights competition are now open, with residents encouraged to decorate their house, townhouse or villa, or nominate a neighbour's property.
More than $4000 in cash and prizes is on offer across a range of categories, including: Best Street, Best Townhouse or Villa, Encouragement Award, Ward Winners and the coveted Champion of Champions prize.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the competition was a great way for residents to bring some Christmas cheer to their neighbourhood.
"Council's Christmas Lights Competition is the perfect opportunity for residents of Blacktown City to get creative and put their decorating skills on show," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"No matter what shape or size your property is, there's a category for everyone to take part in. The Best Street category is a wonderful way to get involved with your neighbours, while the Nominator's Prize is open to anyone who nominates a property.
"I am continually blown away by the standard of entries each year, and I know this year will be no different - so it's time to start decorating."
Entries in the competition will close at 5pm on Wednesday, 7 December with judging to take place between 7-18 December.
Meanwhile, the Mayoress of Blacktown City, Nina Bleasdale, is calling on locals to donate a gift to families doing it tough in this year's Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal.
Gifts are sought for children aged 0 to 16 years and can include new and unused toys, books, clothing and non-perishable goods.
"2022 has been another challenging year for so many in our community, with COVID and natural disasters hitting hard," Mayoress Bleasdale said.
"Now we're also facing the rising cost of living, which is impacting household budgets. The Gift Appeal is just one way we can ensure everyone enjoys a merry Christmas."
Council is partnering with 3 local charities for this year's appeal - Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation, Carevan Blacktown and Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre and Community Aid Service.
Donations can be made by buying a gift and leaving it under the tree at various places in Blacktown City, including:
• A range of Woolworths supermarkets
• Council's Blacktown Administration Centre
• Blacktown Aquatic Centre and Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope
• Council-operated childcare centres
• Blacktown City Libraries
• Westpoint Blacktown
• The Ettamogah
• And Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre
Gifts will be accepted until 5pm on Thursday, 8 December, so they can be distributed in time for Christmas. Please leave gifts unwrapped for ease of sorting.
For more details and gift suggestions, visit the website: blacktown.nsw.gov.au/About-Council/What-we-do/Mayoress-Christmas-Gift-Appeal
To enter the Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition, visit: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/Blacktown-City-Christmas-Lights-Competition
Photo: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the Overall City Winner in the 2021 Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition, 7 Garbett Place, Doonside.
