Lights fantastic

By Lia Bichel
A CHRISTMAS extravaganza has taken over one Noble Park North home for the sixth consecutive year – all in the name of charity.
Gail Herbert began this year’s festive light show at her Smale Court home on Tuesday.
The decorations have attracted people of all ages for the past six years, but the tradition stems from her childhood.
“My parents used to do the same thing at their house and raised money for the same charity for more than 40 years,” she said.
Her parents have since passed, but Ms Herbert is glad to carry on the family custom.
For a gold coin donation, anyone can view the Christmas display, which this year includes a moving train set and blow-up parachute. Ms Herbert said some nights, even Santa makes an appearance.
All proceeds from the display go directly to Golden Care for Children in Hyatt.
Ms Herbert said the duo collected $2589 last year for the charity and hoped to collect even more this year.
“This year there are about 40 children staying there,” Ms Herbert said.
“They range from ages one and a half to 15.”
The display is funded by Gail and her husband Brent, and largely supported by Dandenong’s AMF Bowling Centre manager Paul Mazey.
Ms Herbert encouraged people who want to check out the lights to do so after 9pm to get the “full effect.”
The display will be available until 31 December.