Council Launches Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition

Shopfronts online form.

Tweed Shire Council is inviting local retail businesses to participate in the inaugural Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition, a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the region.

The campaign, part of the Council’s Succeed in Tweed business support program, is a collaborative effort between Tweed Shire Council, the business chambers of Tweed Heads, Kingscliff, and Murwillumbah, and the Tweed Valley Weekly.

Bring Festive Cheer to Your Shopfront Retail businesses are encouraged to decorate their shops or shopfronts with a Christmas or festive theme and register their displays via the Tweed Festive

All registered entries will be featured on an interactive map,

Local businesses can win prize packs for festive displays showcasing the locations of festive displays and encouraging locals to explore Tweed’s shopping precincts while promoting the “shop local” message this holiday season.

Supporting Local Businesses

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the competition was launched to celebrate local businesses and inspire the community to support them during the festive period.

“This wonderful initiative is a fantastic way for businesses to connect with their community. It adds an extra layer of festive spirit to our shopping precincts and inspires residents to choose local this Christmas,” Cr Cherry said.

“By shopping local, we not only beneft our small business economy but also support local jobs and create a thriving community.”

Local business chambers, including Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Kingscliff, Business Murwillumbah, and the Tweed Valley Weekly, will actively

Merry Christmas LismoreCouncil unveils spectacular upcycled Christmas tree

Lismore City Council has unveiled its iconic sustainable Christmas tree, signalling the start of a vibrant month-long series of festivities for the community and local businesses, and underscoring that Lismore is thriving and open for business.

Now in its ninth year, the upcycled Christmas tree stands proudly at the corner of Keen and Magellan Streets, continuing a tradition that began in 2015. This unique tree, made entirely from repurposed materials, is a meaningful gift from Council staff to the Lismore community.

Jon Gibbons, General Manager of Lismore City Council, highlighted the signifcance of the tree.

“Each year, our upcycled tree serves as a symbol of sustainability, inspiring people to think creatively about giving materials a second life through upcycling,” he said.

This year’s tree boasts a stunning rainbow theme, featuring hundreds of upcycled PET bottles ranging in size from 600ml to 2 litres. The bottles were sourced from the Recycling & Recovery Centre and generously donated by staff.

The project was led by Council’s Martin Soutar, who praised the collaborative efforts of staff from various departments. encourage participation by visiting stores and promoting the initiative.

“Our tree is more than a decoration; it’s a message of resilience and community spirit—a gift from us to the people and businesses of Lismore, created with dedication and teamwork,” Soutar said.

To explore the full calendar of Christmas events in Lismore, visit www.xmasinlismore. com.au.

Prizes and Recognition Businesses with the most creative and impressive displays will have the chance to win one of three prize packs, which include:

• A $500 Gift Pay e-voucher.

• A one-year complimentary membership to their local business chamber.

• A quarter-page advertising package in the Tweed Valley Weekly.

One winner will be selected for each of the three precinct areas, with judging by representatives from Tweed Shire Council, local business chambers, and the Tweed Valley Weekly.

How to Participate Interested businesses can register their entry online by uploading a photograph of their decorated shopfront, along with their business name and address.

Eligible businesses must have a physical premises with a festive display visible to the public.

• Registrations open: Friday, 29 November.

• Registrations close: Midnight, Sunday, 15 December.

For full terms and conditions or to learn more, visit the Council’s Christmas webpage.

Let’s make this festive season a celebration of community, creativity, and local pride!