Volunteers were hands-on deck at the beginning of December as Christmas decorations were placed around Yarrawonga along Belmore Street and parts of Telford Street.
The Yarrawonga Community Christmas group, steered by Michelle Cobb, Penne Tregenza, Ros Vodusek and Leticia Harmer, were joined by Adrian Cummins, Mick and Leigh Combridge, Natasha Ng, Cheryl Collins, Nicole Nieuwenhout, Paul Barbuto, Zoe and Martin Kaine and players and supporters of the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club to decorate the town which has been helped by the fundraising of $7350 to date.
The Community Christmas group are very grateful to Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business and the Moira Shire festive funding program for their donations to the purchase of decorations.
Further contributors include Raymond Bungle and David Ryan who painted the new wooden Christmas tree, and money raised by sponsors: Attwood Builders, Complete plaster services, Joy from Material Girls, Michael Coldham, Peter Henderson, Mark Russell and Nancy Wright.
Yarrawonga Community Christmas group representative Penne Tregenza said the support has been fabulous and so far the group has been able to purchase a new tree, decorations, additional timber Christmas trees and fairy lights throughout the street whilst replacing broken baubles.
A new addition to the festive spirit this year is the setting up of fairy lights along the front of businesses in Belmore Street, an easy way for businesses to show their Christmas spirit with time not yet run out to be involved!
“We’ll get onto 2025 early in the new year, so we are looking for members of the community to help,” Penne said.
“Just give us a call on 0437 196 821. There will be various packages for businesses to get involved in next year, but we’ll work on those soon.
“We are grateful for the few community members who supported us with donations as well as the great number of people who gave up some of their Sunday to help install the decorations.”
It’s not too late to contribute, so anyone else wishing to donate can do so to the Christmas Fund at CMCU, BSB: 803.188, Acct no: 1000.30292.
Left over funds will go into the kitty for Christmas 2025.
Tungamah displays Christmas Spirit
Tungamah is also getting into the festive spirit with Christmas decorations recently assembled throughout the town by some supportive community members.
Tungamah Kickstart Committee member Deanne Einsporn said the Christmas decorations are starting to look fabulous but the group are hoping to spread more joy across the festive season.
“Many thanks to the following who has helped to create the decorations: Journo from the bowls club, Tim and Bunnings Yarrawonga, Tungamah Preschool, Tungamah Primary School, staff and children at P-12 Benalla, Adam Dodd and children at Yarrawonga College P-12, Mr Cummins Yarrawonga, Bluey, Joy, John, Caz, Michael, Heather, Steve, Mez, Caz, Nick, Jane and Jo, Dowling family Yarrawonga, Di and Anthony in Tungamah, Tungamah Lions and Tungamah Kickstart,” Ms Einsporn said.
“Also to the many people that have donated wire, pot plant holder, spray paint, decorations and paint
“If you can help, we welcome you. Please call 0419485665 if you would like to be involved.”