Residents light up for the kids

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong and Casey residents are decorating their homes with elaborate arrays of Christmas lights to raise money for children in need.
The Star conducted a night time tour of the two cities this week to find the best Christmas light displays on offer.
While some residents had the obligatory fairy lights on the verandah or colourful neon Santa in the window, there were some stand-out light displays in both Noble Park and Doveton.
In Smale Court, Noble Park, Gail and Brent Herbert followed up last year’s spectacular light display with yet another.
Mr Herbert said his light display took seven weeks to set-up and included new lights compared to last year’s equivalent.
Mrs Herbert told the Star that all money donated by onlookers went directly to the Gordon Care for Children hostel which houses 60 children from abusive and neglectful households.
The cheerful couple hopes to raise more than $2000 for Gordon Care this year.
Meanwhile, in Eugenia Street, Doveton, one could mistake the appearance of three homes for a section of the North Pole, complete with Santa’s workshop.
Neighbours Jim and Veronica Hill, and Joanna and George Duiker have decorated their homes for the past several years and say it is a healthy competition to see whose house is best lit for the festive season.
Another neighbouring property – whose owners were tucked away into bed when the Star arrived – has joined in and the trio of homes has collaborated to collect money for the Very Special Kids organisation.
Both the Smale Court and Eugenia Street displays are also part of the Gold 104.3FM Christmas lights competition.
To vote for Smale Court, Noble Park, SMS the code 146 to 197 91043.
To vote for Eugenia Street, Doveton, SMS the code 257 to 197 91043.