MacDonnell Regional Council remote community Christmas light project back on

As houses across the Territory light up to celebrate Christmas, one project is bringing festive season cheer to remote communities – and building community spirit too. Find out more.

A remote community Christmas light competition is underway in the Red Centre remote communities of Finke and Santa Teresa, December 2024. One of the participating homes in Finke. Picture: Supplied

Christmas cheer has spread across the Territory, thanks to a contest which has some remote communities lit up and competing to see who can have their houses and yards looking the best.

The MacDonnell Regional Council Christmas light competition is back for 2024, with residents in Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) and Finke embracing the festive spirit and decorating their houses with Christmas lights.

One of the participating homes in Santa Teresa. Picture: Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation/ Facebook

MacDonnell Regional Council chief executive Belinda Urquhart said communities can choose to opt in to the competition, with prizes coming in the form of vouchers for groceries or hardware stores.

“The choice for the community to have a Christmas lights competition is community led and made at a local authority meeting, usually held in October or November,” she said.

One of the participating homes in Finke. Picture: Supplied

In Santa Teresa, a Christmas light competition is sponsored by Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation and has been running for more than 20 years now.

Ms Urquhart said the competition encourages the community to come together and the reception this year has been “excellent”.

Another participating home in Finke. Picture: Supplied

“(The competition) fosters good natured competition between who can have their houses and yards looking the best,” she said.

“It is always a great conversation starter and communities take pride in their collective efforts to build community spirit.”