Protect Your Holiday Joy! Discover How a Local Councillor Might Crush Perth's Cherished Christmas Tradition!

As the festive season approaches, the streets of Perth usually twinkle with the warm glow of Christmas lights, a tradition that brings joy and a sense of community to the residents. However, this year, the beloved custom faces an unexpected challenge that could dim the holiday spirit.

Town of Cambridge Councillor Gavin Foley has recently sparked controversy by proposing a motion to halt the annual Christmas light display, raising concerns about environmental impact and financial expenditure. The councillor's environmental argument points to the energy consumption of the lights, which he claims contributes to the problem of fossil fuel use.



'Anybody that puts multiple coloured lights on a tree and plugs it into the power at home, that's fossil-fuelled, is adding to the problem,' Foley stated, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices.


Screenshot 2024-10-22 at 9.10.37 AM.png
Perth's Christmas tree at Lake Monger Drive is facing an uncertain future. Credit: Town of Cambridge Council


In addition to environmental concerns, Foley also questioned the financial wisdom of the tradition, noting that the nearly $27,000 spent on the decorations could be redirected to other community needs.



The Christmas tree in question has not been spared from the debate, having suffered damage due to the festive adornments. As a result, the council has decided to use an alternative tree this December. With the fate of this year's Christmas light display hanging in the balance, a crucial vote was set to take place on October 22.

The situation in Perth serves as a microcosm of a larger conversation about tradition versus sustainability. While the councillor's concerns are valid in an age where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, many residents feel that the Christmas lights are an integral part of the holiday experience, fostering goodwill and bringing people together.

It's a delicate balance between preserving cherished customs and adapting to the pressing needs of our planet. As we move forward, communities will need to find innovative ways to maintain their traditions in an eco-friendly manner. This could include using LED lights, which consume less energy, or even exploring solar-powered options.



The debate also opens up a discussion about the allocation of public funds. Should tradition take precedence over other community projects, or is it time to reassess our priorities in light of economic and environmental challenges?

As seniors who have witnessed many a holiday season, we understand the importance of traditions in maintaining the cultural fabric of our society. Yet, we also recognise the need to be stewards of the environment for future generations. It's a tough call, and one that requires thoughtful consideration from all sides.

Key Takeaways

  • A local councillor in the Town of Cambridge, Gavin Foley, has proposed a motion to discontinue a beloved Christmas lights tradition due to environmental concerns and energy consumption.
  • Foley remarked on the detrimental impact of using fossil fuels to power the festive lights, suggesting that it contributes to environmental issues.
  • The councilor also highlighted the financial cost of the decorations, questioning the nearly $27,000 expense and its opportunity cost.
  • The council was set to vote on the motion on October 22, with the potential for changing a long-standing festive custom in Perth.

We invite you, our dear readers, to share your thoughts on this matter. How do you feel about the potential cancellation of Perth's Christmas light tradition? Do you have suggestions for making holiday celebrations more sustainable? Let's have a conversation in the comments below and perhaps together, we can find a solution that keeps the holiday cheer alive without compromising our environmental responsibilities.
 
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I agree with the lack of compassion from council statement but it amazes me how a destitute homeless person can afford to keep and feed a dog!
There are animal food banks who go around and give pet food to them and also free vet vans who go around and do health checks, give injections, baths etc for the pets. I watched a programme on tv called animal angels I think it was that’s how I know.🎅
 
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So I guess you are happy for all our traditions to be eroded, especially Christmas.
Primary schools have already removed the tradition of Christmas from their end of year concerts.
If you don’t like my comments, and I don’t particularly like your, then don’t read them!
"Our Traditions""???? Do you speak for all people?
Primary schools have already removed the tradition of Christmas from their end of year concerts” -
so what? Don’t they finish school weeks prior to Christmas Day? Schools (state) aren’t there to teach religion. Besides, some Christian denominations don’t celebrate Christmas - The Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Churches of Christ, Jehovah Witness, Judaism. We have all sorts of people with different religious beliefs - no one [religion] is more right or have more of a right than others [religions]

Do you spruke your Covid theories for the benefit of these people?? No, I don’t think so…you do harm putting fear into their minds…aka scaremongering! Who are you to give medical advice? News Flash! - We all grow old and we all die of something!

The Wieambilla shooters were ones to espouse strong anti-government, anti-police and anti-vaccine, etc. etc. views. Hope you don't have guns! You really should stop trying to brainwash people.
 
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Reactions: deni67
A few solar lights go a long way on a Christmas tree. What I cannot understand is the use of ratepayers funds (especially the city of Sydney) on fireworks. Not only is this pollution to the nth but the disturbance to pets and wildlife is immense. There are so many venues and the cost should go to caring for those that sleep out
 
I agree with the lack of compassion from council statement but it amazes me how a destitute homeless person can afford to keep and feed a dog!
Actually in Brisbane there is a society that goes to a couple of the parks and gives food and vet help to people like the homeless that can't afford it.
 
A few solar lights go a long way on a Christmas tree. What I cannot understand is the use of ratepayers funds (especially the city of Sydney) on fireworks. Not only is this pollution to the nth but the disturbance to pets and wildlife is immense. There are so many venues and the cost should go to caring for those that sleep out
Absolutely agree with you, there are so many worthy causes. In better economic times maybe but not now when people are struggling particularly those having to sleep rough.
 
I have to agree that the $27,000 would be better given to The Smith Family or the Salvation Army to buy toys for kids who's families are doing it tough. Most more affluent families have Christmas trees and lights at home anyway.
 
If you can’t afford it you shouldn’t have a pet!
He has every right to have a pet why should he relinquish his pet if he’s been made homeless through no fault of his own.
His pet is probably the only thing keeping him going in this horrible world we live in.
🎅
 
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He has every right to have a pet why should he relinquish his pet if he’s been made homeless through no fault of his own.
His pet is probably the only thing keeping him going in this horrible world we live in.
🎅
If you cannot afford to support yourself then you have no right to own a pet and then ask others to support you!
 
If you cannot afford to support yourself then you have no right to own a pet and then ask others to support you!
If you do not have compassion then you cannot be abusive towards the unfortunate and expect others to respect you.

Pets are the only family some people have, or have left. Do you expect parents made homeless by circumstances to give away their children too?
 
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If you cannot afford to support yourself then you have no right to own a pet and then ask others to support you!
Really bruce😳so I guess you think the same about homeless people who have children and are homeless through no fault of their own with their kidlets. Does that body of yours actually contain a “Heart” in it because from a lot of your negative posts I don’t feel it does. Sad 😢 sack.
No merry Xmas to you 😭
 
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Reactions: deni67
"Our Traditions""???? Do you speak for all people?
Primary schools have already removed the tradition of Christmas from their end of year concerts” -
so what? Don’t they finish school weeks prior to Christmas Day? Schools (state) aren’t there to teach religion. Besides, some Christian denominations don’t celebrate Christmas - The Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Churches of Christ, Jehovah Witness, Judaism. We have all sorts of people with different religious beliefs - no one [religion] is more right or have more of a right than others [religions]

Do you spruke your Covid theories for the benefit of these people?? No, I don’t think so…you do harm putting fear into their minds…aka scaremongering! Who are you to give medical advice? News Flash! - We all grow old and we all die of something!

The Wieambilla shooters were ones to espouse strong anti-government, anti-police and anti-vaccine, etc. etc. views. Hope you don't have guns! You really should stop trying to brainwash people.
Primary schools up until the last 5 years or so have always had Xmas concerts singing carols.
my Afghan neighbour who does not celebrate Xmas told me he hates the way the schools have changed that tradition to appease the woke. They always made sure they and their children (even though their kids did not participate) attended to share in our “culture”.. Now they don’t bother.
How many woke councils are not putting up Christmas decorations in the streets nowadays?
Happy for you to live your happy little protected life.
Interesting to know what your nationality is but I guess you won’t be truthful about that.
I am a proud born and bred Aussie 72 years ago When we didn’t have all these different nationalities coming onto our country trying to change our way of life to theirs.
The Italians came to Australia and integrated into our society without trying to turn Australia into another Italy!
 
If you do not have compassion then you cannot be abusive towards the unfortunate and expect others to respect you.

Pets are the only family some people have, or have left. Do you expect parents made homeless by circumstances to give away their children too?
That would be close to the most stupid question I have ever heard.
Anyone with any intelligence knows the answer to that.
I have a huge amount of compassion for those in desperate need and I volunteer for many organisations but as I said if you cannot afford to feed yourself you can definitely not afford to have a pet.
The first things struggling families do (with a lot of heart ache) is get rid of the pets.
 
Primary schools up until the last 5 years or so have always had Xmas concerts singing carols.
my Afghan neighbour who does not celebrate Xmas told me he hates the way the schools have changed that tradition to appease the woke. They always made sure they and their children (even though their kids did not participate) attended to share in our “culture”.. Now they don’t bother.
How many woke councils are not putting up Christmas decorations in the streets nowadays?
Happy for you to live your happy little protected life.
Interesting to know what your nationality is but I guess you won’t be truthful about that.
I am a proud born and bred Aussie 72 years ago When we didn’t have all these different nationalities coming onto our country trying to change our way of life to theirs.
The Italians came to Australia and integrated into our society without trying to turn Australia into another Italy!
Ah…the token “Afghan” neighbour lol. Don’t care what “the neighbour” thinks either. State schools should not teach religion - there are private religious schools for that. The school principals have a choice to do or not to do…. Religion is not everybody’s ruler - less and less at time rolls on. Leave religion at home - not in schools. Love the reference to, specifically, “Italians” LOL….well, they bring the mafia with them haha. I have no issues with Italians or any other natality - just don’t expect everyone to be religious - otherwise that is an impediment. Things change - we don’t all want to live in past ‘traditions’…it’s a bit nasty back there! You need to learn to control your own life.

I am Australian, as were my parents and theirs before them and so on!
 
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Stop finding excuses to ruin our Australian Christmas traditions. Christmas is a time for celebration and there is no reason everyone cannot participate. Dont be the Grinch Mr Foley! I suppose the next attack from you will be Australia Day and our Flag.
Get Over IT! Love our Country, Celebrate our Traditions.
 
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Primary schools up until the last 5 years or so have always had Xmas concerts singing carols.
my Afghan neighbour who does not celebrate Xmas told me he hates the way the schools have changed that tradition to appease the woke. They always made sure they and their children (even though their kids did not participate) attended to share in our “culture”.. Now they don’t bother.
How many woke councils are not putting up Christmas decorations in the streets nowadays?
Happy for you to live your happy little protected life.
Interesting to know what your nationality is but I guess you won’t be truthful about that.
I am a proud born and bred Aussie 72 years ago When we didn’t have all these different nationalities coming onto our country trying to change our way of life to theirs.
The Italians came to Australia and integrated into our society without trying to turn Australia into another Italy!
p.s. most teachers don't want to do it either - it is a lot of extra work for them - they can spend more time on the 'proper' cirriculum (as it is more than back in the day).
 

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