The CBDs in Gin Gin, Childers and Bundaberg have an added sparkle this Christmas as 35 shops took part in the Santa’s CBD Showcase competition with the winners announced this week at Pageant of Lights.
The race was too close to call in Bundaberg with three businesses – Angels Second to None, 2 Black Flamingos and Cha Cha Chocolate – taking the honours while Blush Bridal Boutique was highly commended.
In Gin Gin The Hair Lounge was named winner while Pheonix House was recognised as highly commended.
Hive on Churchill was the winner in Childers and The Old Pharmacy Museum was highly commended.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said she was thrilled to see so many people participating in the light-hearted competition.
“Santa’s CBD Showcase is a bit of fun to cap off the end of the year but the levels of participation are just so demonstrative of how engaged and community-focussed our local business community is,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Everyone did a fabulous job and the judges certainly had a tough task.
“This is a timely reminder of the importance of shopping local to ensure our CBDs and local economy can continue to thrive.
“And if you’re doing some Christmas shopping over coming weeks you may just find me behind the counter at the winning businesses!”
Ergon Energy was already bringing the Christmas spirit to the region as major sponsor of this year’s Pageant of Lights but Chief Customer Officer Michael Dart was only too willing to extend that commitment by acting as lead independent judge across all participating areas.
He was joined by co-judges who were local experts in each area, including Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce President Tim Sayre, Gin Gin QCWA President Michaela Blake and Childers Chamber of Commerce member Sue McLoy.
He said it was an amazing effort from businesses across the region participating in Santa’s CBD Showcase.
“The quality of the entries was fantastic,” Mr Dart said.
“There was a real mix of Christmas themes, traditional and contemporary with a lot of design effort on some of the entries.
“Judging is across three criteria of Display/Innovation, Spirit and Layout/Safety.
“We saw a lot of entries that really captured the Christmas spirit and the importance of supporting local traders that in turn support our local community.
“Walking down the CBDs I was struck by the amount of business owners and local community that were full of pride of our main streets.
“It’s a real credit to the Mayor and Council to deliver this initiative.
“CBDs across Australia need to be supported as vital hubs for community connection and supporting local economies.
“It is such a great opportunity for business owners to light up the CBD and compete and collaborate.
“Next year it will be great to see even more entries across the CBDs of the Bundaberg Region and thank you again for the commitment by the local Chambers of Commerce and the amazing QCWA.”
Mayor Helen Blackburn thanked all participants and judges for their involvement in the Santa’s CBD Showcase.
