Bus tours available for Christmas Light Up viewing
Bus tours are available for Ballina Shire residents wanting to check out the more than 100 homes and businesses registered on this year’s Christmas Light Up map.
Ballina Shire’s manager of Tourism and Development, Liz Shepherd, says: “When looking to view the Christmas lights on display ,consider car pooling to reduce carbon emissions or think about taking a tour on the Christmas Light Up bus tours.
“Tours are available on 21, 22 and 23 December departing from the Ballina Visitor Centre at 7.30pm. Bookings are essential and affordable. Adults are $7, children $4 and a family of four for $15.
“It’s also great value and a wonderful way to support The Cancer Council as all proceeds are generously donated by Burnett Bus Lines.”
Contact the Ballina Visitor Centre on 1800 777 666 or visit www.ballinalightup.com for further details.
Homes and businesses registered on the Christmas Light Up map have also contributed to saving energy by installing their free 24-hour plug-in timer courtesy of Bunnings in Ballina.
Ms Shepherd says long-time Light Up participants Pat and Jeanette Kennedy of West Ballina have reduced their energy consumption by at least 25% this year by installing LED lights and solar power energy.
“Make sure you mark this spot on the map with over 55,000 lights on display,” she said.
“Taking the time to ‘Think Green’ this Christmas is fun and easy and won’t cost the earth or our lifestyle and we can create significant savings in energy, water, waste and production of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Check out our energy saving tips on the Light Up website.”
Shoppers have until Monday 22 December to cast your vote on line at www.ballinalightup.com for your favourite business window display and have a chance to win a prize.
PICTURE: Rob and Maree Motbey have been lighting up their home and much beloved boat in support of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Ballina SES every year since 2003.
Dedicated volunteers for the service throughout the year, the Motbey’s hand out Christmas candy at their Oakland Street home in West Ballina – the site of their annual Christmas lights spectacular.
The display takes the Motbey’s two months to create, and in five years, they have raised over $11,000 for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service and helped buy the Ballina SES a new boat, via collection tins worked into their lights display.
Pictured are Rob and Maree Motbey with Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter General Manager Kris Beavis.
