By Esther Lauaki
The Federation Trail lit the way during the Wyndham Trail of Lights.
The eight-day community lantern and light festival, which wound up last week, included installations by Wyndham artists, lanterns made by residents and decorative lighting illuminating the trail route.
Festival organiser Ian MacGowan, of the Williams Landing Estate Residents’ Association, said the festival aimed to encourage residents to explore the 4.5 kilometre trail.
“The festival creates a sense of belonging and connections between residents, with locals, schools and community groups helping make the lanterns,” Mr MacGowan said.
He said that the event was made possible by a $153,500 grant through the state government’s Pick My Project initiative last year.
“The project funding saw infrastructure upgrades made [along the Federation Trail] improving safety with the replacement of fencing along the main outfall sewer, at nearby crossing points over the disused sewer line and the installation of reused shipping containers for new community spaces,” Mr MacGowan said.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said the festival was a great way to discover Wyndham.
“Federation Trail is such a popular walking and riding path for the Wyndham community and the series of art installations and lanterns created by local residents had it looking magnificent,” Ms Connolly said.
