Western Downs Regional Council, News, November 2021

Rural households across the Western Downs are being urged to dig out their decorations and build their brightest festive displays as part of this year’s ‘Christmas Where the Gumtrees Grow’ competition.

Entries are now open for this year’s challenge which encourages residents in rural areas to decorate their letterboxes, property entrances and farm machinery for a chance to win some incredible prizes.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the competition aimed to showcase community pride with a festive twist.

“This is the third time Council has hosted Christmas Where the Gumtree Grow, which challenges the creativity of our rural communities by encouraging them to think outside the box and create a beautiful decorative display,” Cr McVeigh said.

“There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year, with first place to receive a $500 Bunya Mountains Accommodation Voucher, second place to receive a $300 local supermarket voucher, and third place to receive a $200 voucher for a local butcher.

“For an extra bit of cheer, every valid entry will also go into the draw to win a Christmas ham to complete their delicious festive feast for the whole family.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to come together with family and friends and share in the Christmas spirit, so I urge families to get decorating, capture your creation via photo or video, and send it on to Council for judging.

“I also encourage the wider community to tell their friends and family living in rural areas about this wonderful competition so we can spread the joy far and wide.”

For more information and to find out if you’re eligible to enter, visit Council’s website via wdrc.info/christmas-where-the-gumtrees-grow or phone 1300 COUNCIL (268 624).