Towns across the shire receive funding to celebrate Christmas

Published on 02 December 2025

Towns across Mount Alexander Shire Council will come to life this festive season to celebrate Christmas as a community.

Council has awarded $10,500 in funding as part of the Community Christmas Celebrations Grants program to ten towns including Castlemaine, Newstead, Elphinstone, Taradale, Harcourt, Muckleford, Guildford, Sutton Grange, Baringhup and Maldon to support Christmas celebrations.

Each town will use the funds for decorations, and community celebrations including food, music, children’s activities, Santa visits and more.

“Christmas is always such a special time in Mount Alexander Shire, and our community never hesitates to embrace the festive spirit,” said Merryn Tinkler, Council’s Manager Economy and Culture.

“Our community has consistently told us how meaningful local decorations and celebrations are, and this marks the fourth year of Council’s Christmas Community Grants.

“The creativity and passion in this year’s applications have been fantastic, and we’re proud to help bring even more colour and cheer to our towns.

“I can’t wait to see our shire buzzing with decorations, live music and community gatherings once again.”

The following community groups have received funding:

Newstead & District Swimming Pool Inc.
Harcourt Progress Association Inc.
Fryerstown Community Reserve Committee of Management – Old Fryerstown School
Taradale Community Forum Inc.
Maldon Golf Club Inc.
Maldon Bowling Club Inc.
Elphinstone Progress Association Inc.
West Baringhup CFA – auspiced by Baringhup Landcare
Sutton Grange Hall Committee of Management
Muckleford Community Centre Committee of Management
Guildford Progress Association Inc.
Castlemaine United Cricket Club
Business Mount Alexander (Castlemaine)

Council also contributed $1,000 each to Castlemaine Community house, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre and Newstead Community Centre for Community Christmas Lunch celebrations.

Event details

Guildford Community BBQ Dinner
When: Friday 5 December, 5.30pm
Where: Big Tree Park
What: A Christmas barbecue celebration for Guildford residents and friends.

Baringhup Community Christmas Party
When: Saturday 6 December, 6.00pm
Where: Baringhup Hall
What: Annual Christmas gathering for residents and friends of Baringhup. Hosted by the Baringhup West CFA, supported by Baringhup Landcare and the Baringhup Community Committee.

Muckleford Christmas Celebration
When: Saturday 6 December, 4.00pm
Where: Muckleford Community Centre
What: Muckleford Christmas sausage sizzle for all local Muckleford residents.

Elphinstone Christmas Party
When: Saturday 6 December, 5.00pm to 9.00pm
Where: Elphinstone Community Hall
What: A Christmas celebration for the Elphinstone community and neighbouring towns. Kids activities from 5.00pm., free barbecue from 5:30pm.

Maldon Golf Club Community Christmas Celebration
When: Sunday 7 December, 3.00pm
Where: Maldon Golf Club
What: Family-friendly event with food-trucks, live music and a visit from the ‘man in the red suit’ at 4.30pm. Everybody welcome – entry is free!

Taradale Family Christmas Picnic
When: Sunday 7 December, from 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Where: Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve
What: A fun family picnic for old and new Taradale residents. Live band, free CFA sausage sizzle and a visit from Santa at 5.00pm.

School’s Out Pool Party!
When: Friday 19 December, 4.00pm to 8.00pm
Where: Newstead pool
What: Icecream Republic van, DJ, barbecue and a visit from Santa. All welcome.

Crickety Christmas
When: Saturday 20 December
Where: Camp Reserve, Castlemaine
What: See the best T20 cricket match between Castlemaine United and the All Stars! With barbecue, drinks and a visit from Santa, it’s a family-friendly way to spend the afternoon. Free entry.

Christmas Carols in Stanley Park
Details TBC

Fryerstown Xmas Frolic 2025
Details TBC

2025 Community Christmas Celebration (Maldon)
Details TBC

Christmas Tea (Sutton Grange)
Details TBC