A total of $4500 worth of Why Leave Town (WLT) cards are up for grabs for those who impress the judges with their creative and sustainable flair.
Entries open on Monday, November 1.
Mayor Libro Mustica said he could not wait to see the entries start coming in.
“Our businesses and communities have been impacted by two years of COVID-19 restrictions, both financially and emotionally, and we are wanting to help lift their spirits by holding competitions that families and workmates can enter, work on and, most importantly, have fun together,” Cr Mustica said.
“We are encouraging businesses to jazz up their shop windows and residents their front gates or driveway entrances with a Christmas theme, bringing a fabulous festive atmosphere into our communities plus supporting our retailers by shopping locally.”
There are four main categories with a $1000 WLT card for each winner.
The categories are Best Shop/Business Window Display; Best Sustainably Decorated Front Entrance – Urban; Best Sustainably Decorated Front Entrance – Rural; and Best Sustainably Decorated Small Town Entrance.
“The runner up for Best Shop/Window Display will win a $500 WLT card,” Cr Mustica said.
“Entrants for these awards must complete the online form and submit photos of their decorations via our website.
“A map displaying all the entries will be available on our website and on our socials so you can tour the shire and take in the festive spirit.”
Community organisations in the shire’s small towns are also encouraged to hold a festive picnic or barbecue, with a grant of $2000 per small town.
This grant must be applied for via SmartyGrants on the council’s website.
There will be a People’s Choice Award where people can vote for their favourite display via the council Facebook page.
“Simply send a photo of your front entrance or window, which we will upload to our Facebook feed, then people can ‘like’ their favourite photo from the list and the pic with the most reactions wins,” Cr Mustica said.
“This award is for the glory only, no monetary prize is attached.
“So, get cracking – I can’t wait to see Moira Shire light up for Christmas.”
A full list of conditions and entry requirements is available on the council’s website.