December 15, 2023
Proston residents obviously love Christmas! Their festive – and community spirit – has led to Wondai Road taking out the Santa Claus Lane title for a second time.
The main road into town was previously honoured in the South Burnett’s quirky Christmas competition in 2020.
The Santa Claus Lane initiative, and its siblings Santa’s Workshop (business displays) and Christmas Cottage (individual display), are organised by South Burnett Regional Council CEO Mark Pitt and his wife Nicola.
Mark thanked the Proston community for participating and showing their community spirit.
“We aim to increase the collaboration between neighbours and to give the children of the South Burnett an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the season of Christmas,” he said.
Nicola said the Proston entry had demonstrated community spirit strongly in the way the residents worked together to decorate the entry to town, and their written entry.
“It was great to see the addition of the ribbons on the entry to town, and the way every house participated by lighting up,” she said.
“The entire village benefits from the growth of a closer, cohesive community.”
The Santa Claus Lane competition – which has been running for five years – requires community members to explain how they work together.
It is judged based on the growth of spirit between the residents.
Previous winners have been Amaroo Drive, Wondai (2019), Rosella Parade, Kingaroy (2021, 2022) and Proston (2020).
Nicola said two other towns – Alfred Street (Nanango) and Kumbia Community – had been highly commended this year and the judges looked forward to seeing their entries in the future.
“It is continuing to be particularly hard to choose a winner,” she said.
Santa’s Workshop is sponsored by Ken Mills Toyota.
The inaugural Christmas Cottage award for an individual light display will be announced on Wednesday, December 20, at 9:00am.
