Council plant operator/labourer Opeta Iona lends a helping hand to hang Christmas lights in the Emerald CBD.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as council elves deck the region’s streets with lights and decorations.
But the festive spirit doesn’t end there!
The Central Highlands Regional Council, CQ News and 4HI Radio are partnering once again to bring the much-loved Light Up Your Town competition back for 2016.
The annual competition encourages residents and businesses to adorn their premises with Christmas lights and decorations in a bid to take out one of the coveted prizes up for grabs.
‘This competition is a wonderful way for everyone to spread some Christmas cheer in the weeks leading up to the big day,’ Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes said.
‘Driving around town to see the displays has become a special part of the festive season for many families and we are very proud to be a part of that. It doesn’t matter how big or small your display is, it’s all about getting involved in the holiday spirit.’
Cr Hayes said the lead up to Christmas was also a great time for residents to support our region’s business community and shop locally.
‘There are plenty of wonderful shops right here in our backyard for all your Christmas presents,’ he said.
‘Let’s help make everyone’s Christmas great this year by choosing local.’
Entry to the Light Up Your Town competition is free and now open. The entry form is available on council’s website centralhighlands.qld.gov.au, at your closest council office or in this Friday’s edition of CQNews.
Prizes for the best residential displays will be awarded in each of the Central Highlands’ 13 communities, while overall winners will be announced for the Best Business/Community Organisation Display and the Emerald-based Beryl Callaghan Spirit of Christmas Award.
Cr Hayes reminded residents to be safety conscious when setting up and pulling down lights, and to ensure all electrical equipment is in good working order.
Entries close Monday 12 December 2016, followed by judging from 12 to 14 December 2016. Winners will be announced on 16 December 2016.
For more information on categories and the conditions of entry visit council’s website.