Wingecarribee Shire Council will continue to fund the installation of Christmas trees across the Shire’s towns this December following overnight endorsement by Council.
Council’s Administrator Mr Viv May PSM agreed with the Council Recommendation to allocate funding towards the hire of Christmas trees in Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.
“Feedback from the community and businesses was supportive of the Christmas initiatives that the new Council first introduced last year,” he said.
“Following initial consultation with the Shire’s Chambers of Commerce, Council is thrilled to again help spread some Christmas cheer this festive season.”
As per the resolution, Council will allocate $42,000 towards the installation of three giant Christmas trees in Bowral, Moss Vale and Mittagong town centres.
Village Associations across the Shire will also share in the festive fun following the close of Expressions of Interest across the Shire’s villages. A total of $22,500 has been allocated for village celebrations with $2,500 set aside for larger villages and $1000 for smaller villages.
Expressions of Interest were sent to Village Associations earlier in the year and closed in October.
“Our Shire’s villages were also keen to again take part in local Christmas celebrations,” Mr May said.
“Some of the activities planned with the Council funding in the villages include Christmas Luncheons, Movie Nights, Community Carols and a visit by Santa himself.”
An additional $15,000 will be allocated towards a Shire-wide Festival of Lights to be held throughout the month of December.
Mr May said the recommendations and subsequent Council adoption followed the release of a community survey earlier in the year. The survey found that 61 per cent of respondents (161 persons) were supportive of the rental of the Christmas trees across the Shire’s towns.
The survey follows similar feedback received in May whereby 91 per cent of respondents questioned were supportive of Council funding local Christmas celebrations.
“This is another example of Council listening and delivering on the wishes of our community,” Mr May added.
“It’s clear residents want Council to continue to support community-led Christmas celebrations.”
All Christmas funding has been included in the 2022/23 budget.
