Local councillors in affluent Australian electorates have been branded the unofficial 'Christmas Grinches' of the season after voting down proposals to fund community festive decorations, sparking public outrage.
Knox Council's Festive Funding Furore
Councillors at the financially robust Knox City Council earlier this year rejected a motion to spend $15,000 on large red ribbons for shopping precincts across the eastern suburbs, deeming it a 'waste of ratepayer money'. The plan, intended to spread Christmas cheer in major community shopping areas, was voted down by six of the council's nine councillors.
The decision prompted those in favour to label their colleagues 'grinches' with a taste for 'red tape' over red ribbons. Victorian Liberal MP Kim Wells publicly questioned the logic on Facebook, noting the council's 2025-26 annual budget features $222.3 million in revenue, expenditure of $193.2 million, and an anticipated operating surplus of $29.1 million.
"In 2025-26, there is budgeted expenditure of $1.96 million on Arts and Culture and $742,000 on Festivals and Events," Mr Wells wrote. "Yet the Christmas grinches at Knox City Council can't find $15,000 for Christmas decorations at local neighbourhood shopping centres to help boost festive spirit and trade."
Community Backlash and Alternative Proposals
The $15,000 red bow proposal was an alternative put forward by Councillor Robert Williams, replacing a previously suggested plan to spend $50,000 on decorations. Public reaction was swift and critical.
"If they all take a pay cut they could put a lot of Christmas things up," one local commented online. Another stated, "Plenty of money to spend on all their special weeks. Time we voted out the Councillors who voted for this. Worst Councillors in over 20 years."
In a further move criticised as lacking festive spirit, the council also rejected a proposal to allow traders to set up Christmas trees on public streets without requiring a permit.
Scrooge-like Sentiments Spread to Other Councils
The controversy is not isolated to Knox. Yarra Council has also faced criticism for a perceived lack of festive decorations, despite promises from the new independent-led council to boost Christmas cheer. While the council, led by Mayor Stephen Jolly, revived annual Christmas Carols evenings and spent significantly decorating three town halls, some areas feel neglected.
Residents and traders in the popular Fitzroy North village precinct have complained about minimal decorations. The area, known for its trendy bars and boutiques, appears to have only a few 'Merry Christmas Yarra' posters discreetly placed on some street bins.
Fitzroy North volunteer Ignacio Inchausti expressed disappointment, telling Daily Mail, "I haven't noticed the spirit of Christmas around the streets... The Yarra City Council have underwhelmed this year with partly hidden, low-level decorative public bins."
Mayor Jolly defended the council's approach, emphasising a need for balance. "If we start doing every shopping strip in Yarra, we're talking about millions of dollars," he said. "It's usually the same people who complain about this kind of stuff are the same who complain when councils waste money."
Home Display Clampdown Adds to Festive Frustration
In Melbourne's north-west, the festive spirit faced another blow. Hume Council threatened Craigieburn resident Stephen Jacobs with a $9,000 fine over his elaborate home Christmas display. The 44-year-old father invested thousands of dollars and two months of work into the setup, which includes a Santa, decorative balls, and a Grinch.
Mr Jacobs believed he had verbal approval from council officers but received a letter demanding removal by December 23. "Thousands of people have been by and everyone loves it and supports me," he said, "but the council are just being real Grinches about it."
These series of decisions have left many residents questioning local authorities' priorities during the holiday season, accusing them of embodying the miserly spirit of Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge rather than fostering community joy.
