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This article was published on Wednesday, 4 February, 2026. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

A Wonder Filled Summer delivers festive fun and local winners

Posted on Wednesday 4th of February, 2026,

Greater Shepparton City Council has announced the winners of its Christmas campaign delivered as part of A Wonder Filled Summer, which featured festive activities, events and installations across the region.

In Summary

  • Council has announced the winners of the A Wonder Filled Summer Christmas campaign, which delivered festive events, activities and installations across the region during December.
  • The campaign included the Christmas Trail, Sparkle Shepparton and Mooroopna events, Santa on the Move, festive decorations and the Missing Elves competition, encouraging residents and visitors to engage with local towns and attractions.
  • Local residents were rewarded through two competitions, with winners announced for both the Missing Elves competition and the Shop Local and WIN initiative, which supported small businesses across Greater Shepparton.
  • Council is inviting community feedback via an online survey to help inform future Christmas events and activities, with responses open until 15 February 2026.

The Christmas program encouraged residents and visitors to follow the Christmas Trail and discover festive fun across Greater Shepparton, including Santa on the Move visits, Sparkle Shepparton and Sparkle Mooroopna events, and large-scale festive decorations installed at key locations.

A key feature of the campaign was the Missing Elves competition, which invited the community to search for elves hidden at locations throughout the Christmas Trail. Participants were required to find the elves and record their sightings through the Greater Shepparton app by clicking on each elf, with entries submitted after finding six of the twelve elves.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the Christmas activities were designed to create shared experiences and support local towns.

“A Wonder Filled Summer brought together a range of festive activities that encouraged people to get out and enjoy our towns during the Christmas period,” he said.

“From Santa on the Move and the Sparkle events, to the festive decorations and the Missing Elves, there were plenty of ways for families to take part. It was also great to work alongside Victoria Police, including Senior Leading Constable Leigh Johnson, to add a bit of fun and storytelling on social media to support the campaign.”

The Missing Elves competition saw Amanda Miller win the major prize of a $300 local experience voucher.

Two additional winners, Stephanie Anstice and Phillip C, each received a $150 local business voucher.

The campaign also included the Shop Local and WIN competition, which encouraged residents to support small businesses by spending $50 or more at a small business in Greater Shepparton and uploading a receipt to enter.

Jeanette Smith was awarded the $2,000 Shop Local and WIN major prize, with Karen Ranson and Tammy-Lee Atkinson each receiving a $500 local shopping voucher for supporting local businesses during the Christmas period.

If you took part in A Wonder Filled Summer, which featured:

  • Shop Local and WIN competition
  • Sparkle launch events in Shepparton and Mooroopna
  • Community gift wrapping
  • 2025 Gift Guide
  • Festive decorations along the Christmas Trail
  • Santa’s Missing Elves
  • Santa on the Move
  • Christmas Activities in the Park

You are invited to complete the survey to help inform future Christmas events and activities across Greater Shepparton. Share your feedback at shepp.city/xmassurvey. Survey closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 15 February 2026.

Council thanks the community, local businesses and everyone who supported the campaign throughout the month of December. Council looks forward to making more opportunities for people to come together across Greater Shepparton and wishes the community a wonder filled 2026 ahead.

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