Surf Coast gets into the spirit with new trees, surfy Santa

THE Surf Coast Shire is gearing up for its most festive season yet, with five new Christmas trees, surfy Santa visits, carols and colourful community celebrations set to spread cheer across the region.

The solar lit trees are 4m tall and, for the first time, will brighten key locations in Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Lorne, Torquay and Winchelsea. They will be installed from mid-November.

New decorations will also adorn the shire this year. Stars will be installed around the Torquay township, including along Bell Street and Gilbert Street, banners will be hung in Lorne and Torquay, and hand-decorated stars, made by local primary school students, will feature in Deans Marsh.

In Winchelsea, the Men’s Shed is back with its popular timber Christmas trees, while the local shops will host an Elf Trail.

Families will be able to snap a photo with the region’s own surfy Santa, who will make free appearances at the Torquay Visitor Information Centre between 10am and 1pm on December 6, coinciding with the Torquay Library Christmas market, and at the Lorne centre between 10am and 1pm on December 13.

Both events will include free children’s face painting.

Between November 14 and December 18, children can post their letters to Santa at the Torquay and Lorne visitor centres to get a reply by Christmas.

A giant colouring wall will be open at the Lorne centre during this time, giving young artists a chance to add their own creative touch to the festivities.

Santa will pop up again at community carols throughout the shire and make a special visit to the Anglesea shopping strip on December 19 before 3pm and 4pm, accompanied by roving carollers.

 

 

Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth said the new decorations and events aimed to bring people together and highlight the sense of community that defines the Surf Coast.

“With the warmer weather coming and the year winding down, it’s a fun time of the year to come together and share all that we love about living in the Surf Coast Shire,” he said.

“After hearing from locals keen for more festive fun, we’re helping the celebrations grow across the shire, alongside all the wonderful events and activities our local businesses and community groups are bringing to life.

“I’m excited to see five new Christmas trees being installed across the shire and surfy Santa visits at our visitor info centres. Best of all, these are free for families to enjoy.”

Residents are also encouraged to join in the celebrations by sharing how they’re getting into the festive spirit.

“We’d love for those with Christmas house light displays to add them to our interactive map,” Cr Bodsworth said.

“We also want to see how everyone is getting into the spirit of things across the Surf Coast and hinterland, so we have an online photo competition with prizes up for grabs.”

Those wanting to participate in the photo competition are invited to post pictures of their decorations, celebrations or festive pets on Facebook or Instagram, tagging @SurfCoastShire and using the hashtag #SurfCoastSpirit, for a chance to win one of two $100 local prizes.

For updates on the Surf Coast’s festive season — including carols and events, the Christmas lights map, shop local guides, waste-smart gift tips and competition entry details — head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SurfCoastSpirit