Rural residents ‘jingle all the highways’ this festive season

The Western Downs has been dazzled with Christmas cheer this Christmas, with rural households taking part in the ‘Christmas Where the Gumtrees Grow’ competition. 

As part of the competition, Council encouraged rural residents to decorate their property entrances or letterboxes in festive cheer for a chance to win fantastic prizes sourced from local businesses.  

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the initiative generated community pride across the region. 

“Christmas is all about our community coming together and celebrating with friends and family and this competition is about spreading the festive spirit far and wide across our region,” Cr McVeigh said.  

“This competition also provided us with an opportunity to support a number of local businesses across the region by sourcing all prizes right here in the Western Downs. 

“This year the weather presented some interesting challenges, with extremely hot days followed by periods of wind and rain throughout the entry period, so I congratulate the families who pushed past the weather and created something wonderful at their front gate.  

“Deciding on a winner was incredibly tough, however I have the pleasure of announcing first prize is awarded to the McUtchen family in Jandowae. 

“Second place has been awarded to Merv and Linda Petersen in Tara, and third place to Angela Cook in Dalby. Steven Donovan from Bell also took out the lucky draw prize, which is a delicious Christmas ham.  

“Each and every entry we received was absolutely fantastic and I congratulate all the families who took part in this year’s competition.” 

2020 Christmas Where the Gumtrees Grow Winners 

1st Place – $500 Bunya Mountains Accommodation Voucher – McUtchen Family – Jandowae 

2nd Place – $300 Local Supermarket Voucher – Merv & Linda Petersen – Tara 

3rd Place – $200 Local Butcher Voucher – Angela Cook – Dalby 

Lucky Draw – Steven Donovan – Bell