The Bundaberg Region’s newest Christmas events dazzled more than just the residents who attended with both Christmas on Bauble Street and Merry and Bright gifted state-wide awards.
The two Bundaberg Regional Council events have taken out Parks and Leisure Australia Queensland awards and are now national finalists for the 2021 Awards of Excellence.
Christmas on Bauble Street, which saw diners served a la carte meals in private domes in Buss Park, was named the Community Based Initiative of the Year.
Transforming the Botanic Gardens into an illuminated Christmas wonderland, Merry and Bright won the Best Regional//Rural Industry Contribution Awards.
Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the recognition of the Christmas events.
“Christmas spirit is always strong in our part of the world so it’s wonderful to see these community events being recognised as the best in the state,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“In 2020, COVID-19 presented some unique challenges for event organisers and in response we developed some unique concepts that ensured we could still mark the festive season.”
He said that Christmas on Bauble Street transformed the CBD with thousands of twinkling lights allowing residents to take in the delights of the festive season at their own time and pace.
“Christmas on Bauble Street wasn’t just about the bauble dining,” Mayor Dempsey explained.
“It was the joy it spread to the people driving by and the hundreds of families who strolled the CBD at night while it was wonderfully lit.
“Able to safely enjoy the spectacle in the open air, many people enjoyed a picnic as they took in the lights display, creating a hive of activity in the CBD night after night.”
The two Bundaberg Region Christmas events will now be assessed alongside winners from other states and territories with the national award winners announced at the Parks and Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner in September.
