By Taylah Eastwell
There is a bright and merry glow lighting up Mount Evelyn whenever night falls, with a group of local residents joining forces to bring some extra joy to onlookers this Christmas.
Hordern Rd neighbours Ricky and Andrew, with help from their partners Leanne and Sharni, have brought their front gardens to life with bright lights, moving displays, enormous inflatables, a snow machine and plenty of long hours of preparation.
Having hung lights at Christmas for over 20 years, Hordern Rd resident Andrew said his display gets “that little bit bigger and better every year”.
“I’ve been doing it for over 20 years, I started off when my kids were little and now I’ve got grandkids so it has just progressively grown,” Andrew said.
Andrew said he and his neighbour Ricky decided to combine forces over a casual chat in the street.
“Ricky has probably been on board for the last two years. Rick and I get together and plan it together. It’s definitely not a competition, we work together and just try to make it a good show,” Andrew explained.
“We’ve only ever done it for ourselves, never for any recognition but just to give the locals a bit of cheer at Christmas and now since Ricky’s got on board it’s gotten better than ever before,” he said.
With a zip line of Christmas lights and decorations connecting the two houses, the neighbours have worked together in setting up their displays purely to give kids something to get excited about at Christmas time.
Ricky’s partner Sharni said the number of visitors have increased since the display was posted on the Facebook group ‘Yarra Valley Christmas Lights’.
“We were not expecting any of this, it’s really blown up. We’re trying to get Santa here on the weekends now,” Sharni said.
Ricky and Sharni tragically lost their daughter, Indi, two years ago to SIDS. The couple have a large light with Indi’s name and a love heart attached to their roof as part of their display.
Both of the neighbours are this year collecting donations to raise money for Red Nose Australia to go towards SIDS research and support. The decision to raise money was made after a local made the suggestion.
“We had never even thought of asking for money, neither of us are that way inclined but the charity was a good idea,” Andrew said.
“Rick and I just looked at each other and said, it’s got to be Red Nose, it’s got to be for SIDS, and people started giving. I think we have raised about $800 so far,” Andrew said.
The local Whippy Truck also attends the display regularly and has a donation tin on the counter.
Owner of the Whippy Truck, Paul Clark said the support from the local community has been amazing.
“So many people have come through, it’s awesome to be able to help raise money for Red Nose and to bring a bit of joy to all the kids,” Mr Clark said.
When Andrew and Ricky catch up with their other neighbours on the street, they encourage them to join in on the festive fun.
“Rick and I tell them, come on, you’re getting on board,” Andrew laughed.
With many other houses on the street beginning to light up their front yards as well, Hordern Rd is shaping up to be a popular Christmas light destination for years to come.
