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Light Up CH 2026 winners announced!

The festive spirit shines brightly across the Central Highlands this year as residents and businesses transformed homes, shopfronts, and rural properties for the annual Light Up CH Christmas Lights Competition.  

Council received 40 nominations across all categories, showcasing the creativity, generosity, and festive spirit of the region. 

Following community feedback, public voting was introduced this year, giving residents the chance to choose the winners in each of the 14 communities, alongside special categories for rural surrounds and business or community organisation displays.  

This year’s winners truly embody the spirit of Christmas, spreading joy, sparkle, and community pride through dazzling displays that bring smiles to families across the Central Highlands. 

List winners  

 North  

  • Jade Tasker, 14 McLean Street Capella (1st) 
  • Brianna Smith, 17 Wombat Tieri (Runner up)  

East  

  • Kate Peters, 12 Hutton Court Blackwater (1st Tie)  
  • Tim Steinhardt, 23 Birt Street, Blackwater (1st Tie)  
  • Tasmin McBeth-Wells,10 Taurus Street Blackwater (Runner up) 

South  

  • Upton Family, 55 Clematis Street Rolleston (1st)  
  • Nikki Emslie, 9 Comet Street Rolleston (Runner up) 

West/Central  

  • Alana Sendonas, 22 Amber Street, Emerald (1st)  
  • Peter Eversham, 5 Peppertree Lane Emerald (Runner up)  

Rural surrounds  

  • Carol Read, 26058 Capricorn Highway Emerald (1st)  
  • David Thorogood, Capella Downs 1525 Malvern Road Capella (Runner up) 

Business / Community Organisation  

  • Price Busters Variety, Emerald (1st) 
  • Rolleston State School (Runner Up) 

Beryl Callaghan Spirit of Christmas Award 

  • Skye Kirkwood, 58 Loch Street  
  • Award categories

    This year’s categories:

    • First and second place winners in the following areas:
      • North
        • Capella
        • Tieri
      • East
        • Blackwater
        • Dingo
        • Duaringa
        • Bluff
        • Bauhinia
      • South
        • Rolleston
        • Springsure
        • Arcadia Valley
      • West/Central
        • Emerald
        • Comet
        • Gemfields
        • Gindie
    • Rural surrounds winner in the above areas (inclusive of above areas)
    • Business/community organisation display
    • Beryl Callaghan Spirit of Christmas Award (inclusive of above areas)
  • Prizes
    Residential Displays
    There will be a winner and a runner-up house awarded for each of the above-mentioned areas (North, East, South, West/Central)
    First place: $200 (Pre-Paid Visa Card)
    Runner-Up: $100 (Pre-Paid Visa Card)

    Rural Display
    There will be a first and runner-up awarded for this category across all the above-mentioned areas.
    First place: $200 (Pre-Paid Visa Card)
    Runner-Up: $100 (Pre-Paid Visa Card)

    Business Winners
    There will be two winners for this category across all the above-mentioned areas.
    First place: $550 (team lunch on CHRC and voucher for radio ad on Hit FM)
    Second place: $350 (Voucher for radio ad on HitFM)

    The Beryl Callaghan Spirit Of Christmas Award
    Presented to the display that best demonstrates the spirit of the festive season in honour of the late Beryl Callaghan.
    Prize: $200 (Pre-Paid Visa Card)
  • Conditions of entry

    By entering you indicate that you have read and agree to the below conditions:

    • Only properties in the Central Highlands Regional Council area are eligible.
    • Completed entries must be submitted to Central Highlands Regional Council before 5.00 pm on the day the entry period closes.
    • By entering you consent to your address and/or lights photo to be published.
    • Lights must be on between 7.00 and 11.00 pm during the judging period.
    • All entries must include a photograph (digital) for judging.
    • It is the responsibility of each entrant to ensure their display is safe. Competition sponsors accept no responsibility for costs or injuries which may occur as a result of entry.
    • Winners (as selected by our community via likes on Facebook) will be announced on a date to be advised and on council’s website and Facebook page.
    • Prize money will be awarded as Pre-Paid Visa Cards.
  • Safety warning

    Central Highlands Regional Council urges participants to remain safety conscious while setting up and pulling down lights, as well as ensure that electrical equipment is in good working order.

     

2025 Light Up CH winners

Rural

Business Award winner

North: Capella/Tieri

East: Blackwater, Dingo, Duaringa, Bluff, Bauhinia

South: Rolleston, Springsure, Arcadia Valley

Central/West: Emerald, Comet, Gemfields, Gindie

2026 Winners

First Place - Business Award - Price Busters Variety Emerald

Runner Up - Business Award - Rolleston State School

First Place - Rural Award - 25058 Capricorn Highway Emerald

First Place - Rural Award - Capella Downs - 1525 Malvern Road Capella

First Place - West/Central Award - 22 Amber Street Emerald

Runner Up - West/Central Award - 5 Peppertree Lane Emerald

First Place - South Award - 55 Clematis Street Rolleston

Runner Up - South Award - 9 Comet Street Rolleston

Tie - First place - East Award - 12 Hutton Court Blackwater

Tie - First place - East Award - 23 Birt Street Blackwater

Runner Up - East Award - 10 Taurus Street Blackwater

First Place - North Award - 14 McLean Street Capella

Runner Up - North Award - 17 Wombat Street Tieri

Beryl Callaghan Spirit of Christmas Award - 58 Loch Street Emerald