Shire shoppers invited to share the festive spirit locally

THE Surf Coast Shire is joining trader groups across the municipality to run Christmas activities and encourage community members to shop local this festive season.

The activities are part of the shire’s “Share the Surf Coast Spirit” campaign.

A short video – to be shared with local businesses and promoted on social media – will showcase the variety of gift options available across the coast and hinterland.

The festive fun includes:

• Gilbert Street, Torquay, December 7, 10am to 1pm – Roving Santa, face painting, local buskers, and a gift-wrapping station for a gold coin donation, and
• Anglesea town centre, December 14, 10am to 1pm – Take in Business Anglesea’s Christmas decorations, listen to carollers outside Oaks Bakery Café, and enjoy a gift-wrapping station for a gold coin donation and face painting.

Santa made a flying visit to Gilbert Street on Tuesday of this week to promote the Share the Surf Coast Spirit campaign, and also handed out chocolate to some lucky children.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Paul Barker said it was an ideal time of year to support local businesses.

“Christmas is a special time for many people and early December is a popular time to start thinking about buying gifts.”

“Our local businesses are the backbone of our local economies. We know that a strong summer in our peak visitor season can be pivotal for local businesses, but we’d also love to see a wave of local support whenever possible.

“Rather than travelling to shopping centres outside of our municipality, it’d be great if our community could do their Christmas shopping closer to home, here in the Surf Coast Shire.”

Cr Barker is looking forward to the Christmas activities in Torquay and Anglesea.

“Thanks to Commerce Torquay and Business Anglesea for getting on board,” he said.

“I’m eager to hear how these two events go, so we can explore how we might expand into other shopping precincts across the shire in years to come.”

People can check out the Share the Surf Coast Spirit video on the shire’s social media accounts from this Sunday, December 1.

The shire will install Christmas stars in Torquay town centre (Bell Street, Gilbert Street and The Esplanade) and a Seasons Greetings billboard near the shire’s office at the entry to Torquay.

The shire is also supporting community-run carols events across the municipality. For more information, head to the Surf Coast Events website at surfcoastevents.com.au