Belmore Street will be adorned with Christmas spirit this December with the Yarrawonga Community Christmas Group once again decorating the main boulevard thanks to donations from several local businesses.
After encouraging feedback and a positive reaction from the community after last year’s increased display, the small group of volunteers, steered by Michelle Cobb, Penne Tregenza, Leticia Harmer and Ros Vodusek, have once again decided to add more cheery Christmas colour that the main street would normally be missing during the festive season.
With a $2000 Moira Shire Council Christmas grant, as well as very generous funding from the Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business, the group are able to purchase a new Christmas tree and replace some of the Christmas baubles and wooden Christmas tree stakes damaged in last year's little mini storm.
“Last year we were able to add the Christmas Wreath and Nutcrackers to our Christmas decoration pool that adorned the Yarrawonga Town Hall balcony,” Ms Tregenza said.
“This year we are looking to purchase a new Christmas tree, baubles and wooden Christmas tree stakes with the new tree to replace the old one that was at the Orr St roundabout.
“We are very grateful to everyone who donated last year. Everything with a Christmas label on it is so expensive!
“In saying that, some of our decorations from last year ended up damaged or stolen so we are looking to purchase new decorations and are needing assistance to do so.”
The big baubles will still adorn the trees on the street corners with smaller baubles to be displayed in the trees down the centre.
Christmas is about community, so the group, with the support from Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business, are fundraising to achieve their vision.
They are not asking for much and are seeking support of as little as $20, maybe $50 or $100.
“Everyone has been so busy so our group has been a bit slow in regard to seeking donations for this year's purchases, but we are still seeking support to add more fairy lights to our new Christmas tree, the Belmore St side trees and more baubles for the Woods Road entrance to town,” Ms Tregenza said.
“We’d love to share the load and we are hoping more small donations from across the town will top up the kitty.
“The decorations really added such a welcoming and festive vibe to the street the last couple of years and we want to improve that vibrancy.”
If anyone would like to assist with donations, you can donate to CMCU, BSB: 803-188, ACC No: 100-030-292.
“Donations don't need to be kept to businesses, local residents are also encouraged to support us,” Ms Tregenza said.
“Your support is greatly appreciated and your contribution will go a long way in making the main street shine even brighter during this special season.”
Ms Cobb has again engaged the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club to assist with installation of decorations on December 1 but anyone else willing to head down and assist in installation would be greatly appreciated.
“We are also seeking support of like-minded people who would be willing to join our team and help us ramp up Christmas Decorations for 2025,” Penne concluded.
If anyone would like to come down and assist or is after more information, contact Michelle on 0437 196 821 or Penne on 0438 431 076.