The votes have been counted, the judges have made their rounds, and the winners of the annual Light Up Central competition have now been revealed.

Following a competitive festive season with entries lighting up neighbourhoods across the district, three Alexandra families have taken away the top prizes. The competition, supported by naming sponsor Aurora Energy, and support from Tall Poppy, once again highlighted the creativity and community spirit in Central.

First Place Taking out the top spot this year was Elma Parkin, whose stunning display at 2 Bruce Place in Alexandra captured the imagination of voters.

She said she was grateful for the win, but the real highlight was seeing the community enjoy the lights.

“Thank you so much, this is an amazing prize and more so the experience of the happy faces of those who visited our place,” Elma said.

The display actually held a secret to success, it featured recycled elements from another local champion.

“I took some of the float pieces from the Filipino community float that won the Blossom Festival and put lights around it”

Elma received the first-place prize, a massive gift basket from Paper Plus valued at $1,000.

Second Place Second place went to Jen and Wayne at 22 Shannon Street, who took home a watch and earrings gift from Jamies Jewellers.

For Jen, the display was much more than just Christmas decorations; it was a labour of love and a tribute to her mother.

“This display was a tribute to my mum who sadly passed away recently, but she got to help set up the lights and enjoy them before she passed,” Jen said.

“The Shannon Street lights will continue next year as a bright memory of our time together, and because of the joy it brought to Mum and those in our community.”

Left to Right: Caitlin, from Jamie Jewellers, with second place winners, Jen and Wayne Adamson

Third Place was awarded to first-time entrants Ashley and her daughter at 63 Russell Street. They received a $250 voucher from Harmony Skin & Beauty.

Ashley said she was thrilled to place in the top three on her very first attempt.

“Oh man that is exciting news… This is our first year doing lights and me and my daughter have loved it,” Ashley said.

The Central App extended a huge thank you to the local businesses that provided the generous prize pool, including Paper Plus Alexandra, Jamies Jewellers, and Harmony Skin &

Beauty.

Special thanks were also given to all entrants for making the event possible and helping to light up the streets of Central for another year.

While the lights are down as we head into 2026, the feedback from locals has been fantastic and all look forward to seeing the creativity continue next Christmas.

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