Winchelsea first to light up for Christmas

THE festive season has arrived early in Winchelsea, with the first of the Surf Coast Shire’s new 4m solar-lit Christmas trees now installed between the Anzac Memorial and Bluestone Bridge.

The Christmas tree is one of five new installations set to brighten town centres across the shire, with Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Lorne and Torquay to follow by late November.

Shire mayor Mike Bodworth said the trees were part of the council’s Share the Surf Coast Spirit program, which aims to celebrate the festive season and “all that locals love about living here”.

“This is the first time we’ve installed Christmas trees across our towns, and we’re excited to see them bring some festive fun to our communities,” he said. “We’ve heard from locals that they love seeing our towns come alive during the holiday season, so these trees are a fun way to add some colour and cheer across the shire.”

Through the festive season, Winchelsea will also host an elf trail across its shops and the local Men’s Shed will create timber “twinkle trees”.

Surf Coast Shire councillors Joel Grist and Tony Phelps at the newly installed Winchelsea Christmas tree. Photo: SUPPLIED

New stars will soon be installed in Torquay’s Bell and Gilbert streets, as will banners in Lorne and Torquay.

Children can now drop their letters for Santa off at the Torquay and Lorne visitor information centres. Get them in by December 18 to receive a reply by Christmas.

Families can also snap a free photo with “surfy Santa” at the Torquay Visitor Information Centre on December 6 between 10am and 1pm, or at the Lorne’s centre on December 13 between 10am and 1pm. Free face painting will also be on offer.

As part of the Share in the Surf Coast Spirit program, locals are invited to share their decorations, celebrations and 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, an interactive Christmas lights map, and competition entry details — head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SurfCoastSpirit