Yarrawonga Chronicle

Decorate Moira – let’s get festive!

A total of $4,500 worth of Why Leave Town (WLT) cards are up for grabs if you can impress the judges with your creative and sustainable flair.

Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica said entries opened on Monday, November 1 and he enjoyed seeing the entries coming in.

“Our businesses and communities have been impacted by two years of COVID-19 restrictions, both financially and emotionally, and we are wanting to help lift their spirits by holding competitions that families and workmates can enter, work on and, most importantly, have fun together,” Cr Mustica said.

“We are encouraging businesses to jazz up their shop windows and residents their front gates or driveway entrances with a Christmas theme, bringing a fabulous festive atmosphere into our communities plus supporting our retailers by shopping locally.”

Judds Yarrawonga Owner Michelle Clarke and her staff have already decorated their window with Michelle urging others to get involved, even in the smallest way.

“We are just keen to spread the Christmas cheer and joy,” Mrs Clarke said.

“After the last two years we could all do with something to brighten our businesses and bring some joy to our customers and those walking past the store.

“I urge businesses to just do something, it doesn’t have to be extravagant, just anything to bring some Christmas cheer to Belmore Street.”

There are four main categories with a $1,000 WLT card for each winner.

The categories are Best Shop/Business

Window Display; Best Sustainably Decorated Front Entrance – Urban; Best Sustainably Decorated Front Entrance – Rural; and Best Sustainably Decorated Small Town Entrance.

“The runner up for Best Shop/Window Display will win a $500 WLT card,” Cr Mustica said.

“Entrants for these awards must complete the online form and submit photos of their decorations via our website.

“A map displaying all the entries will be available on our website and on our socials so you can tour the shire and take in the festive spirit.”

Community organisations in the shire’s small towns are also encouraged to hold a festive picnic or barbecue, COVID restrictions permitting, with a grant of $2,000 per small town; this grant must be applied for via SmartyGrants on the Moira Shire website.

“In addition, there will be a fun People’s Choice Award, where people can vote for their favourite display via our Facebook page; simply send a pic of your front entrance or window, which we will upload to our Facebook feed, then people can ‘like’ their favourite photo from the list and the pic with the most reactions wins,” Cr Mustica said.

“This award is for the glory only, no monetary prize is attached.”

A full listing of conditions and entry requirements is available on the Moira Shire website.

“So, get cracking – I can’t wait to see Moira Shire light up for Christmas!”

Moira Shire Council is getting into the festive spirit by launching a shire-wide Christmas decorations competition and council want the community to get involved.

CELEBRATING CLASS OF 2021

en-au

2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

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McPherson Media