Christmastime in Torquay to return

CHRISTMASTIME in Torquay is returning to its roots this year with small-scale celebrations throughout December.

The community group based in The Quay and Quay 2 estates usually holds a public event in Torquay North with activities and a visit from Santa, but was unable to last year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Co-ordinators had received a $1,000 grant from the Surf Coast Shire for this year but ultimately decided against using it on a public event because of associated safety regulations and the need to buy expensive insurance policies.

Instead, Christmastime in Torquay will go back to basics at The Quay, where the month-long celebration started a decade ago as Christmastime in The Quay, and encourage people to take part by decorating their homes and streets.

This year’s financial sponsors are The Quay neighbourhood residents, Nick Kearsey of Great Ocean Properties, De Witt & Cruz Loan Mates and DBM Signs, who will contribute towards installing nearly 200 streetlamp festive holiday banners in The Quay. The streetlamp holiday banners were a neighbourhood “get to know one another” project where four neighbours split the cost of one banner on each streetlamp.

Neighbours Annie Hiscock and Gaye Slater will creatively decorate the tree on the Quay Boulevard with recycled materials, and hundreds of neighbourhood residents will beautifully decorate their homes and streets, making a beautiful Christmastime show for all of the community to enjoy.

There will also be Christmas-themed films placed on the event’s Facebook page.

“My family has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 12 years and we love the smiles and joy that this Christmastime event gives to the entire community,” Mr Kearsy said.

Simon Power, the new owner of DBM Signs, said Christmastime in Torquay was a well-established community tradition and DBM Signs was again pleased to facilitate delivering it.

“Many thanks to all involved that help continue the town’s Christmastime tradition including council that also has helped facilitate it since its inception,” Christmastime in Torquay co-ordinator John De Witt said.

“We wish everyone a safe, wonderful Christmastime season with family, friends, neighbours, and ask that you remember our annual ‘Tis the Season to Give’ fundraiser, and please give what you can to your favourite charities, then post them on our Facebook page so others can also see and also contribute to them.”