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A Bass Coast Kind Of ChristmasChristmas is just around the corner and the spirit of Christmas is evident right across the Bass Coast Shire. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 12th December 2006 - Back to News Street decorations
Bass Coast Shire Council has already rolled out most of the Christmas street decorations.
Christmas garlands have been erected in the central area of Wonthaggi. Christmas fairy lights will be trialled in Cowes this year, decorating a number of cypress trees. Fairy lights will also be placed on the poppet head in Wonthaggi.
Christmas starfish banners incorporating a coastal flavour into the traditional Christmas star have also been put up in Inverloch, Cowes, San Remo and Grantville.
The same banners will go up on the San Remo bridge closer to Christmas due to exposure to extreme weather conditions.
"The banners in these areas are really exposed to the elements, particularly the wind. Because of this, they get damaged very easily," said Council’s Special Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane.
"We like to put the bridge decorations up later in December, so they are nice and fresh for the Christmas period."
More decorations for next year
Council is continuing to look into the possibility of extending the Christmas decorations into smaller centres in the Shire for next year.
"Lack of infrastructure and restrictions on the use of power poles presently limits our ability to decorate all townships," said Mr Angarane.
"While we had planned to put up additional infrastructure this year, unfortunately, budget cuts have meant that it just hasn’t been possible."
Christmas Giving Tree
Council is also asking community members to help disadvantaged families in Bass Coast by donating a present under its Christmas Giving Trees.
The trees are located at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Cowes and Wonthaggi. All gifts will go to the Combined Churches and Welfare Group for distribution across the Shire.
"There is a particular need for presents or gift vouchers for teenagers," explained Council’s Financial Hardship Officer, Bev Morphett.
"These can be placed under the tree in the foyer.
"All gifts will of course be appreciated, but the earlier the better.
"Gifts of food for hampers can also be left, but please don’t drop perishables," thanked Ms Morphett.
Carols by Candlelight
As well as dressing up for Christmas, Bass Coast is hosting a series of Carols nights for everyone to enjoy. Carols by Candlelight nights will be held at:
- Grantville Memorial Park on Saturday 9 December from 6-9pm.
- Corinella Foreshore on Saturday 16 December from 6.30pm.
- Warrawee Seniors Centre, Inverloch on Saturday 16 December from 8pm.
- Wisharts Reserve, Wonthaggi on Sunday 17 December from 8pm.
- Erewon Point, Cowes Foreshore on Tuesday 19 December from 8-10pm.
- Daisy Avenue Reserve, Pioneer Bay on Saturday 23 December.
Christmas Light Competition
Over the coming week, Council will also be looking for the best Christmas light decorated house, shop and street in the Shire. Nominations close Monday 11 December in order to be eligible for the judging, which will take place between 13 -15 December.
Winners in each section will receive prize money to assist with their Christmas festivities. For more information contact Council’s Arts and Leisure Coordinator on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.
Christmas Light Tour
The annual free Christmas Light Tour of the Wonthaggi region will be held again this year, thanks to Gippsland Bus Services, Ross Wise Bus Lines and Bass Coast Shire Council.
Bookings are essential as there are limited numbers available on the buses.
The Inverloch service will run on Tuesday 19 December, departing in front of the Inverloch Community Centre, A’Beckett Street. To book contact Ross Wise on 5674 3090.
The Wonthaggi service will run on Wednesday 20 December, departing Wishart Reserve from dusk (9.00pm). To book contact Council’s Chris Wutzke on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.
Self-tour lists and maps will also be available after 19 December from Council’s Wonthaggi Customer Service Centre or phone 5671 2211 or 5951 3311 for a copy.
Council operating times over Christmas/New Year
Bass Coast Shire Council offices will be closed from 1pm on Friday 22 December and will reopen again at normal business hours on Wednesday, 27 December. Offices will also be closed on Monday 1 January for the New Year’s Day public holiday.
Residents should also note that there will be no garbage or recycling collection performed on Christmas Day. Properties due to have their recycling and garbage collected on that Monday will have it collected on Tuesday, 26 December instead. Areas affected include Cape Woolamai, Corinella, Coronet Bay, Inverloch (south of Powlett St and west of Sandymount Ave), San Remo and Tenby Point. All collections on other days during the holiday season will proceed as scheduled.
All Council operated Waste Transfer Stations and the Grantville Landfill will also be closed on Christmas Day. However, these sites will operate during their normal hours on all other days of the holiday season.
Council’s Visitor Information Centres in Wonthaggi, Cowes and Inverloch will be open from 9-5pm seven days a week, except Christmas Day.
The Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre in Newhaven will be open from 9.00am to 6.00pm, seven days a week from Tuesday 26 December 2005 through to Sunday 28 January 2006. The Centre will also open on Christmas Day from 1-5pm.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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