Christmas activities in Torquay and Anglesea will encourage community members to shop local and Share the Surf Coast Spirit this festive season.
Surf Coast Shire Council is joining trader groups to organise festive fun in:
- Gilbert Street, Torquay – Saturday 7 December – 10am to 1pm
Roving Santa, face painting, local buskers, and a gift-wrapping station for a gold coin donation.
- Anglesea town centre – Saturday 14 December – 10am to 1pm
Take in Business Anglesea's Christmas decorations and listen to carollers outside Oaks Bakery Café. There's also a gift-wrapping station for a gold coin donation and face painting.
The activities are part of Council's Share the Surf Coast Spirit campaign, which is encouraging people to shop local shire-wide this Christmas.
A short video – to be shared with local businesses and promoted on social media – will showcase the variety of gift options available across the coast and hinterland.
Surf Coast Shire Councillor Paul Barker said it was an ideal time of year to support local businesses.
"Christmas is a special time for many people and early December is a popular time to start thinking about buying gifts," he said.
"Our local businesses are the backbone of our local economies. We know that a strong summer in our peak visitor season can be pivotal for local businesses, but we'd also love to see a wave of local support whenever possible.
"Rather than travelling to shopping centres outside of our municipality, it'd be great if our community could do their Christmas shopping closer to home, here in the Surf Coast Shire."
Cr Barker is looking forward to the Christmas activities in Torquay and Anglesea.
"Thanks to Commerce Torquay and Business Anglesea for getting on board," he said.
"I'm eager to hear how these two events go, so we can explore how we might expand into other shopping precincts across the shire in years to come."
People can check out the Share the Surf Coast Spirit video on Surf Coast Shire Council's social media accounts from 1 December.
Council will install Christmas stars in Torquay town centre (Bell St, Gilbert St, The Esplanade) and a Seasons Greetings billboard near Council office, at the entry to Torquay.
Council is also supporting community-run carols events. Check out the Surf Coast Events website for details: surfcoastevents.com.au.
