Traders Are Shining Together

If you’ve spent any time in Clunes recently, you’ll have noticed the garlands on shop verandas and the rotunda decorated. Despite a tough few years between the drought, rising costs and fewer volunteers to share the load, the town is looking festive, welcoming and quietly determined to make Christmas feel like Christmas. And that's no small thing.

When everyone is watching their budgets and trying to stretch limited time and resources, a little creativity goes a long way. This year, Clunes traders have done exactly that. Instead of letting fading decorations or financial pressures dim the festive season, they pushed up their sleeves together to rethink what Christmas could look like - sustainably, affordably, and joyfully.

Many locals remember the spectacular Christmas displays Clunes once had. But like most things, decorations don’t last forever. When traders realised the old ones couldn’t be salvaged, they didn’t give up, they found another way.

They brainstormed. They pooled funds. They worked with Clunes Neighbourhood House to source simple, sustainable options in bulk so the whole street could share a common festive look without the hefty price tag. And along the way, they discovered something even more valuable: the power of working together.

“It’s been a tough couple of years, but businesses recognise that communities still need to feel the Christmas spirit and that decorations and festivities can be a real drawcard,” explained Lana de Kort, Manager, Clunes Neighbourhood House.

“Finding new ways to decorate and plan an event has given businesses the chance to work together outside of business as usual, strengthening relationships along the way.”

“Country towns like Clunes are doing it tough, but when you see small business owners - who are already working so hard just to operate their businesses - pulling together like this and getting on with it, it’s inspiring. It hints at a resiliency and innovative heart that is as warming as the Christmas spirit itself.”

That’s the thing about small towns.  When we collaborate and strengthen each other, we don’t just get things done. We stay connected. And connection is what gives Clunes its heart.  In pulling together, the businesses have reminded us all that Christmas isn’t about extravagant lights or big budgets. It’s about heart. Ingenuity. Collaboration. And the belief that even in difficult times, joy is worth making.

So why not join bring along the whole family to Clunes Colours of Christmas late-night shopping event, Saturday, 13^th December? It'll be part of a bumper weekend of Christmas activities including:

·        Clunes IGA Annual Raffle (Morning) – Always lively and packed with prizes.

·        Clunes Colours of Christmas Late-Night Shopping (4pm–8pm) – Shop local with festive specials.

·        Dining & Festive Treats – Local cafés offering Christmas menus and treats.

·        Kids’ Christmas Activities – Family-friendly fun including ice-cream and crafts.

·        Live Entertainment – Music throughout the evening, featuring Hayley Mary at 7.30pm.

·        Santa's Arrival (7pm) – A highlight for families and children.

Other Festive Activities Around Town

·        O’Hara’s Bakery Christmas Colouring Competition.

·        Reverse Advent Hampers via Clunes Pharmacy.

·        Pop-Up Art Shop (12–14 December) at 49 Fraser Street.

·        Clunes Market (14 December).

·        National Hotel festive dinner with live music (Sunday evening).

·        Rogue Planet Gallery extended hours at the Clunes School of Mines (17–20 & 23–24 December).

·        Soul Barn Summer Series (27 December – 4 January).