Griffith City Council's Star Shopper and Christmas Light Display winners have been announced for 2022.
Mayor Doug Curran was delighted to draw the Star Shopper winners on Thursday 22 December, with first prize of a $500 voucher going to, Judy O'Malley (shopped at Speirs Jewellers).
Runners Up were, Deb Hall (shopped at La Petite and Beauty), John Greenaway (shopped at itravel Griffith), Heather Mannes (shopped at Kendells Griffith), Renee Fair (shopped at Pat Zirilli Amcal Chemist) and Joel Hubatka.
Congratulations to everyone and a very special thank you to more than 40 stores who participated in our Glow2680 Star Business and Star Shopper Competition.
The Star Shopper campaign is an initiative of Griffith City Council, with thousands of entries received. As part of the push to encourage local shopping, a sidewalk sale was held on 3 December and Christmas Late Night Shopping on 15 December.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved in the Star Shopper Campaign. It has been another really worthwhile undertaking in that we've seen plenty of shopping being done locally in the lead up to Christmas," he said.
"The aim was to get people to shop here in town and I'd like to thank all those who did. Local businesses employ local people and they support many sporting and community groups. Shopping locally keeps money circulating in our local community."
Meanwhile, Councillor Curran announced 99 McDonald Road, Bilbul as his favourite Christmas light display for 2022.
"There were so many outstanding displays, but in my opinion and also my daughters, McDonald Road Bilbul have really stepped up their efforts from last year and we both felt it had the best display worthy of the Mayor's Choice. There are lights all over the yard and all over the house, there are so many displays it took forever to take it all in, so very well done and thank you to the owners," he said.
"Special mention to 5 Murphy Crescent, it is always one of the best in town, 43 Lawford Crescent is simply stunning and 107 MacArthur Street too has put in so much effort. 6 Noorla Street had the LIT display and it really stands out as you drive around town."
Mayor Curran said, having visited all of the registered Christmas lights as well as many that weren't registered across Griffith and the villages, it was extremely difficult to single out just a few.
"I want to congratulate everyone involved. I witnessed so much community spirit completing this wonderful task and want to congratulate everyone that put up one light or 1,000, it will make so many people happy, thank you and well done.
"I must say there were a lot of lights that's weren't registered which is fine but many of these were exceptional displays and hopefully the owners may consider registering next year. There are a lot of lights to get around, I suggest doing it over a few nights so you can really take in the efforts by many of our residents," Councillor Curran said.
"Thank you to my daughter, Emily who took me around the lights and provided a youthful insight into the displays, it was very much appreciated.
"Well done to all of the winners and thank you one and all, the spirit shown by our residents is outstanding and I am sure there are many, many people that will enjoy the displays and I along with my Council colleagues' thank you all for making our City a better place to live."
Christmas Light Display Winners:
Mayor's Choice - 99 McDonald Road, Bilbul
Merry Mailbox - 42 Parkinson Crescent, Griffith
People's Choice - 6 Noorla Street, Griffith
Best Street – Wood Road, Griffith
The winners will each be notified before Christmas and presented with their prizes in the New Year.
