A Christmas fairy tale

Local residents have pulled out all the stops to make sure Tennant Creek shines brightly over the festive season.

Posted: Thursday, 13 December 2018

Over the weekend cars drove around town, including Tinkarli camp, to marvel at the incredible displays in front of homes, shops and along streets. A posse of Santa’s elves were also out and about delighting in the strings of fairy lights, flashing Christmas trees, twinkling Santa Clauses, nativity scenes, three wise men, colourful reindeers and glow-in-the-dark palm trees. The team had been invited by Barkly Regional Council to take up the near impossible task of choosing winners for the Tennant Creek Christmas Lights Competition 2018. Lengthy and heated discussions were held over three homes in particular – the spectacular glowing palm trees at 47 Weaber Road, the cheeky display at 6 Ranedo Court and the flashing nativity scene on Windley Street. Decisions were still contested until late on Monday afternoon but the main elf and his sidekicks held fast in their determination to name 6 Ranedo Court as the winner with the Weaber Road entry a close second. While Windley Street was registered as a home entry, the elves gave the house and the Catholic Church next door a prize for the honour of Best Church. First prize for Best Shop Front went to Outback Caravan Park and second to Little Rippers. Best Street prize went to three homes in Ranedo Court, and while Tinkarli Town Camp had not registered into the competition the judges wanted to give them the honour of Best Town Camp. Sponsored by Councillor Hal Ruger, first and second prizes are $300 and $200 respectively with the winning street entry to be shared amongst participating homes. Cr Ruger said the entries this year showed the true spirit of Christmas. “Everyone needs to be congratulated as you could tell people put in a lot of hard work and hours to make their homes and this town shine so brightly,” he said. First and second place winners can collect their prize money from Barkly Regional Council head office, 41 Peko Road, from Monday, 17 December until 20 December.