By Romy Stephens
The Montrose community is bringing brightness to the streets during these dark winter nights of lockdown.
The town’s Light Up Lockdown campaign has seen households and shops bring their facade to life with fairy lights and tinsel.
Montrose Township Group vice president Chelsey Cooper said the aim of the campaign was to keep the community connected during the return to Stage 3 restrictions.
But she said the campaign wasn’t restricted to Montrose, with photos being sent through from other suburbs as well.
“We got this news and for me, and a lot of people, it almost felt like something heavy fell on top of us again and it felt very dark,” she said.
“It’s not place-based, it’s an opportunity for us to spread some light and say we’re not alone and shed some sparkle.”
Ms Cooper said after seeing the success of this year’s Belgrave Lantern Parade turned two-week festival, the township group thought they too could introduce an initiative that would light up the town at night.
Once the callout was posted on Facebook, Ms Cooper said there was an overwhelming response from the community, with numerous households getting involved as well as the local CFA.
“I have to pinch myself … It was an idea but I think ideas only come to life when other people take them on,” she said.
“Maybe I had the seed but I sit there and just glow when I walk down the streets and see these lights. I just feel really proud to be part of a community that wants to do this together.”
The Light Up Lockdown campaign is available for anyone to get involved. Simply decorate your house with fairy lights, tinsel or anything colourful and share your images with Montrose Township Group Inc on Facebook.
