Ararat Christmas campaign kicks off

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across the Ararat Rural City, with a number of new decorations being installed in recent weeks.

This year the Ararat Rural City Council’s theme is ‘12 Words of Christmas’, with 12 words related to the meaning and values of Christmas scattered around the region.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper said these words not only will be a part of the decorations, but form a community-based ‘scavenger hunt’ competition, which promotes people to explore the region and shop locally.

“Most of our small towns will have at least one word incorporated into their decorations, so residents should keep an eye out during their travels,” Cr Hooper said. 

“This campaign is a great excuse to take a drive to areas of our municipality you may not have visited in some time and importantly shop locally.”

Entry forms for the ‘12 Words of Christmas’ competition can be found at www.ararat.vic.gov.au and in this month’s edition of Ararat Rural City Focus, while a detailed Christmas card will be sent to every household which also includes an entry form.

Once residents think they have discovered all 12 words, the entry form can be dropped into the Ararat Rural City Council Municipal Office or the Visitor Information Centre, to be in the running for a $500 local business hamper. The competition will be drawn on Friday, December 23.

“If you haven’t already, be sure to ‘like’ Ararat Active on Facebook, as there will be clues to help throughout the month of December,” Cr Hooper said.

As well as the ‘12 Words of Christmas’ decorations, some old favourites have returned this festive season including, the large star and wreaths on the Town Hall, LED balls on the gum tree in High Street, a ribbon, bow and tag installed on Council building, present light boxes installed on the Performing Arts Centre and Ararat Regional Art Gallery lawn and Christmas tree pots out the front of local businesses in Barkly Street.