22 December, 2022

Gunnedah Shire has once again celebrated the festive spirit with homes and businesses switching on their Christmas lights.

Twenty-six homes and businesses entered the Christmas Lights Competition, decorating their premises with everything from giant inflatable Santas to strings of illuminated stars.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the competition judges – Gunnedah’s Citizen of the Year Tracey Reid, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce representative Sammi Bath and representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council – recently visited entrants who were scattered throughout Gunnedah and in the village of Curlewis.

“The judges reported they were amazed at the effort people had put in to help bring Christmas to Gunnedah,” Ms Frater said.

“There was a huge variety of displays from big inflatables and a frenzy of colour, to more elegant and simple displays. There was a giant Sydney Harbour Bridge, glowing rooftops, and Santas on sleighs, on skis, with surfboards and on tractors – it was difficult to pick the winners!

“The judges were impressed with all the entries, with a particular mention of the three twinkling displays at Curlewis.”

The Christmas Lights winners were:

• Best Christmas Theme in a Village – Oaktree Retirement Village – the judges said the village was a “veritable fairy town”;
• Best Decorated House – 17 Boronia Street – home of a million lights and the Sydney Harbour Bridge;
• Best Theme – 18 Linden Place – a sweet gingerbread house theme;
• Santa Street – Kurrajong Road – the wow factor from one end of the street to the other;
• Best Dressed Shop Front – The Gunnedah Times with a very thoughtful display. Congratulations also to all the businesses who have created beautiful displays but did not enter; and
• Judges’ Choice Award – 849 Preston Street, where one of the sons of the household has showed his love of Christmas with a magical display.

The judges also made a special mention of:

• 129 Edward Street for a wonderful effort including a star-studded tree;
• 5 Sanders Place for the variation and sheer number of lights;
• 37 South Street for a vibrant and colourful display; and
• 24 Reservoir Street for beautiful elegance.

“We would like to thank everyone who has put so much effort into helping to create that Christmas excitement for the whole community – from little ones through to grandparents,” Ms Frater said.

Caption:

Cr Rob Hooke presents Nikita and Agnes White with the Santa Street award for Kurrajong Road.

Nick and Sophie Mainey accept the award for Judges’ Choice from Cr Rob Hooke for their home in Preston Road.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.