Monbulk Christmas in July party to fundraise for Christmas decorations

The town that gave us “the cheapest and ugliest Christmas tree ever” wants to make this year’s decorations better than ever. It may be only July, but people living in Monbulk are already getting ready for the festive season.

Joke Fogden and Shirlene Bisschop are behind the Christmas decoration campaign.

Monbulk is getting into the Christmas spirit early with a team of elves assembled to make this year’s December celebrations bigger and better.

The township’s Christmas decorations group is determined to liven up their community for the festive season and have been raising money to make this happen including hosting a dinner party on July 6.

Leader previously reported residents and traders took matters into their own hands to decorate their town after Yarra Ranges Council couldn’t find room in its budget for decorations.

A huge unauthorised Christmas tree went up at a Monbulk roundabout in 2013, and the public reaction was scathing.

The Christmas tree was the work of hills’ eco-artist Joost Bakker, who put it up in the dead of night on November 28, 2013.

Zoe Peterson in front of the sculpture back in 2013. Photo Lawrence Pinder

This year’s organiser Joke Fogden said the idea to raise money to improve the town’s Christmas celebrations grew from discussions between Monbulk Business Network members in 2014.

She said the garlands being hung along Main Rd each December were old and dated.

“It was so sad what was there,” Ms Fogden said.

“We thought, we need to do something because it’s pathetic.”

Monbulk’s Christmas decorations in December 2013.

Since then the group has raised more than $15,000 and has bought 200 hanging baskets for the street, which are filled with Christmas decorations.

Ms Fogden said lots of volunteers had helped make the baskets, candles and a collection of other decorations which the group was very grateful for.

“It’s a lovely community,” she said.

“It’s important that we keep it alive.”

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The group is raising money to buy artificial Christmas trees, which it plans to place in planter boxes along the main street.

Ms Fogden said there were plenty of tickets still available for its Christmas in July fundraiser from 6.30pm on Saturday, July 6 at Yarra Ranges Estate.

“It’s going to be a fantastic party,” she said.

The $75 tickets include a three-course dinner and live music.

Details: 0447 386 437.