SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) and the Hamilton Regional Business Association (HRBA) are celebrating the start of the festive season by urging businesses and traders to get creative and take part in the Christmas Window competition, which is now open.

Shop-front business owners and traders in Hamilton are encouraged to decorate their windows and enter the competition, with prizes awarded to first place as decided by the HRBA panel based on creativity, eye-catching aesthetic, and overall Christmas cheer.

SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle, said the competition heralded the start of what was hoped to be a busy festive period for the retail sector and would be a fun and engaging way to encourage the community to get into the holiday spirit.

“This Christmas Window competition is aimed at supporting local businesses and trades, and to encourage the community to shop local,” he said.

“The more businesses that get involved, the more reason for visitors and residents alike to come to Hamilton’s CBD and explore all there is on offer.

“We really want to support our fantastic retailers and push the region as a premier shopping destination, with the goal of boosting the local economy during the festive season – the hope is to attract both visitors and residents to explore, shop, dine, and foster a sense of community pride by encouraging people to shop locally.”

HRBA president, Michael Byrne, said that this Christmas activity was designed with ‘community at its heart’, providing a platform for businesses to showcase their creativity and offering, engage with the public and to contribute to a vibrant festive atmosphere.

“This season is a great example of how we can all work together to support our communities, and HRBA is delighted to be working with Council to champion our local businesses and traders,” he said.

Winners will be determined by the HRBA judges for first prize, with the community favourite winner determined by the public vote - those who vote are also in the draw to win a prize that’s randomly selected.

Prizes include a hamper from The Hamilton Hamper, Hamilton Cinema tickets, Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatics Centre membership and Buy Local vouchers.

Local businesses and traders can register their window online via QR code or via sthgrampians.vic.gov.au - entries opened on Tuesday, November 14 and close Friday, December 1.

Christmas Window judging and online public voting will take place from Tuesday, December 12. Online voting is via QR code or by the council website.

For more information about the Christmas Window competition, contact SGSC economic development support officer, Daniel Shaw via dshaw@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au.

This competition follows on from the turning on of the Christmas lights, with more festivities planned in the lead up to Christmas.