Gerald Lynch
Christmas spirit is set to be returned to a Wollert icon.
A northern Christmas lights tradition was in doubt after festive street party plans were rejected by Whittlesea council.
Following a community backlash, the council contacted organiser Renee Gaitanis on the weekend, informing her that an amended plan will be approved, and the show can go on. Details are still to be confirmed.
A petition was created last week containing nearly 5000 signatures calling for a change of heart.
The Stardust Way home has provided more than a decade of joy and festive spirit, with an extravagant lights display and appearances from Father Christmas and the Grinch throughout December.
The display has built up a cult-like following, with more than 2100 people following its page on Facebook.
The event has become so big in recent years that Ms Gaitanis has had to employ private traffic management at night leading up to December 25. Food vendors also station themselves nearby to serve the crowds who flock to see the display.
The event has also raised over $50,000 in the last three years for the Starlight Foundation.
The council had told Ms Gaitanis that her event this Christmas was not approved, and was in breach of environment protection regulations, while the closure of the road for 10 consecutive nights was “unreasonable“ and the proposed times of the event were in breach of regulations.
Speaking before council’s backflip, Ms Gaitanis said she was devastated by the council’s decision to not allow the display to go ahead.
She said following a resident complaint in the past, plans to shut off the lights at 10pm, with a few 11pm and 11.30pm finishes, were put to neighbours.
“Last year we ran the lights until midnight,“ she said. “Going forward this year, we sent revised times out to our neighbours with a Google form to sign off, and all but one had no issues, with one resident requesting earlier times on some nights.
“Council re-iterated in a letter to me that they can’t stop me from putting the lights on, but they made mention that the lights are what are drawing crowds in, making me the cause of nuisance problems if there was a problem with the EPA [Environment Protection Authority].
“In a meeting (with council), they said to me your 10 days are not being approved, however we may consider allowing you one day on December 15 or 16… I looked at them and I said how is that a fair negotiation?
“Their main concern was the EPA regulations and within our new timings we’re not breaching those in any way, so I’d be very keen to see the reasoning behind not approving it is.”
Council chief executive Craig Lloyd said last week the council was seeking to find a solution that met the needs of everyone within the community.
The council said on Monday morning that it couldn’t comment on the situation and it was still being worked through with the organiser.
