Christmas is being celebrated in Nillumbik Shire this year with community-driven events and bespoke nature-inspired decorations.
Nillumbik has provided funds to traders’ associations to get grassroots-inspired festivities in place, as well as enabling residents to share in all the decorations and good cheer.
Mayor Karen Egan says acting on feedback, Nillumbik decided to let the community steer how the festive season would be celebrated this year.
“Bespoke decorations will be made from locally sourced materials as well as recycled products such as metals and grapevines, all made by local artists and children. Our message this Christmas is celebrate local, shop local,” Cr Egan said.
Eltham Town Square and Main Street will be transformed into a magical wonderland with a four metre Lion’s Club wishing tree handwoven by local artist Gay Chatfield using vines from Nillumbik wineries.
There will be groups of metal reindeer sculptures in Eltham and metal Christmas trees decorated with timber-etched discs reflecting the area, including the Eltham Copper Butterfly and endangered orchids.
Other attractions include a children’s magic garden starring six elves and a miniature train display, fabric banners and woven vine decorations for light poles, with shop windows festooned with art created by local children at the Eltham Festival.
The festivities will be officially launched at Town Square from 5.30pm on Friday November 23 by Cr Egan, followed by live music and entertainment.
The lead-up to Christmas will include cabaret shows and a children’s pantomime, pop-up events, a free miniature train to transport children around Eltham and of course, a visit from Santa.
The Diamond Creek Traders Association has been busy with 23 schools, pre-schools, groups and clubs each getting a bespoke almost two-metre tall wooden tree to decorate.
There’s magical fun as well, with businesses featuring an Elf in their front windows and an Elf Hunt at Mitre 10 on Saturday 15 December. Book in for a free tea with an Elf either mid-morning or early afternoon at Windy Mile.
There’s the visit from Santa, as well as Santa sitting on the back of a CFA truck as it goes down the main street of Diamond Creek on Saturday 22 December. Traffic poles will be decorated with floral wreaths.
Christmas at Hurstbridge is gearing up to be a community-driven fun affair with bunting and decorations including little lanterns made by local artists along Main Street. The theme will continue with a big Christmas lantern in Anzac Park.
Other highlights include a yarn-bombed tree, a bush nativity scene in front of the Uniting Church and a Christmas Banner Flag featuring an Aussie Christmas theme.
The centre of the activities will be at the Makers Market at Wattle Park on Saturday 1 December from 9am-1pm. Fun will include a wreath making workshop, activities for the kids and a Hurstbridge Christmas Hamper prize.
Keep an eye out for festivities in Panton Hill and other areas in the Shire as the community gets on board with Christmas.
Council has also funded seven Goodwill Grants to further foster community participation in a range of activities to promote good cheer across the Shire during the festive season.
Check out Council’s Facebook and web site for further details.
