Early Christmas present gives city’s Santa a boost

GREATER Dandenong Council will install a giant reindeer and Santa in its new civic square as part of more extravagant Christmas decorations for this coming festive season.
Stung by criticism over last year’s festoons, then-mayor Jim Memeti led the charge for boosting the decorations budget from $80,000 to $185,000.
At last Monday’s council meeting, Greater Dandenong Business group manager Paul Kearsley said most of that budget had been spent.
The decorations include a nine-metre tall reindeer made from hundreds of LED lights and “dressed with a coat of crystal and sequin drops”, according to a council spokeswoman.
It will be installed on 29 November along with a similiarly dazzling nine-metre high Santa Claus riding a reindeer.
On 4 December, a nativity display would be installed as a window display at the civic centre.
The council will also adorn shopping precincts in Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park with green, red and gold, featuring Christmas trees, presents and traditional doves of peace.
Roving musicians and entertainers will be bringing Christmas cheer into the streets as part of a daily events and activities program.
Carols by Candlelight – including live music, stalls and a Santa visit – will be staged at Dandenong Park and simulcast on the civic square big screen on 19 December.