Festive: Martin Duke puts the finishing touches on his traders’ Christmas tree.
By Erin Pearson
TORQUAY’S shopping precincts will have additional Christmas spirit this year thanks to a donation from Surf Coast Tourism, according to the town’s traders association.
President Martin Duke said the $3000 donation would help pay for Christmas banners on flagpoles on Bristol Rd and Gilbert and Bell Sts.
Mr Duke said the decorations would be a “big boost”.
“We’re really trying to make the connection between Torquay Central and Gilbert St to bring the shopping areas together as one,” he said.
“Now hopefully other towns like Anglesea will follow suit. We want to lead the trend.”
Mr Duke said the traders association was also encouraging shop owners to “adopt” Christmas trees.
“They’ll be encouraged to put them out in the street during the day and return them to the window at night.
“The Christmas spirit really brings the community together and we hope people will come down to our late-night trading on December 22 to see the difference.
“Santa Claus will be wandering around from 6.30pm, so we’re really making this a family affair.”
Councillor Ron Humphrey backed the initiative.
“Martin should be congratulated for all the great work he’s doing tying our shopping precincts together,” Cr Humphrey said.
“I fully support dressing the place up and spreading a bit of Christmas cheer.”
