Christmas has arrived early in Northern Grampians Shire, with timely decorations bringing joy to the community in the lead up to the holiday season this year. The council worked hard to ensure that the municipality has been tastefully decorated, with new decorations carefully selected to reflect the overall spirit of the season.
In response to community feedback, the council increased the available spend and directed staff to ensure that quality durable decorations were purchased with the aim of ensuring long-term use.
New banners were designed using the Discover Northern Grampians branding that was launched by the council earlier in the year and a collection of Christmas wreaths were placed around St Arnaud, Stawell and Halls Gap.
The St Arnaud tree was purchased in 2021, the Stawell tree was purchased in 2022, and a new tree for Halls Gap was purchased this year.
“We received feedback from the wider community about the importance of decorations and the role that they play in creating cheer. This year we were inspired by the magical atmosphere of Christmas and the knowledge that families will come together across the shire, many returning to their hometowns from far and wide, to celebrate. We wanted to create an atmosphere that the whole community could be proud of. The spirit of festivity in each of our towns is inspirational and the effort that individuals and businesses put into their homes and storefronts is marvelous,” said Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rob Haswell.
“We moved the Christmas tree in Stawell to the roundabout at the intersection of Main and Wimmera Streets to increase exposure – and placed a large wreath at the St Arnaud Town Hall that suits the history of the building, as well as smaller wreaths throughout Stawell, St Arnaud and Halls Gap. You can also interact with the large ornamental gift box picture frames to take an ‘elfie with a view of the Grampians in the background and stunning gardens in the background. It makes for a great family photo.”
It is expected that decorations will continue to be used in future years and alternated around the shire. Don’t forget to spread the Christmas cheer in Northern Grampians by sharing your ‘elfie image on social media and tagging @discovernortherngrampians and #discovernortherngrampians
