LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE : Peter and Lauraine Overton
by Lorna Gordon
For over 30 years , Lauraine and Peter Overton have been lighting up the festive season with their awe-inspiring Christmas displays at their home in Mallee Street , Quakers Hill . A tradition that began with a simple sleigh has evolved into a spectacular showcase of handmade decorations , twinkling lights , and animated scenes that have brought joy to thousands .
Now , as they prepare for their final year , their community is coming together to celebrate their incredible legacy .
Peter , now 80 , started the tradition when their children were young . What began as a modest sleigh soon grew as Peter ’ s creative passion ignited . He handcrafted decorations from scratch , adding his own mechanical touches to make reindeer heads nod , elves work in Santa ’ s workshop , and even a ski lift glide over a miniature village . Every piece is painted with care , creating a level of detail that draws visitors in for a closer look .
Lauraine has been the creative designer behind the stunning window displays . With villages , train tracks , and even a carnival scene , her creations bring a magical warmth that invites visitors of all ages to marvel at the beauty .
“ It takes me a couple of days to set up the windows ,” Lauraine shared . “ But this year I had help and we got it done in a day .”
The couple ’ s children fondly recall how the display grew over the years . Michelle , their daughter , remembers her father climbing onto the roof to place the first reindeer when she was just 16 .
“ It started small , but every year it got bigger and bigger ,” she said .
Today , the display includes a “ 12 Days of Christmas ” theme woven into the trees , a little village on the roof , and countless moving parts that make it truly one of a kind .
While the display is a testament to their creativity , it ’ s also been a force for good . Lauraine and Peter have used their Christmas House to raise funds for the Sydney Children ’ s Hospital .
Their motivation stems from a deeply personal experience — when their grandson
Peter and Lauraine have delighted the community with their Christmas Lights for over 30 years .
Peter and Lauraine have raised over $ 80,000 for the Children ’ s hospital at Westmead .
was just 18 months old , he suffered severe burns and was treated at the hospital . Over the years , their efforts have raised close to $ 80,000 for the hospital ’ s Lights for Kids initiative .
The display has become a beloved community tradition , complete with nightly treasure hunts , visits from Santa on a fire truck , carol singers , and even an ice cream truck . Children search for hidden treasures like Where ’ s Wally , and every December 20th , Santa arrives with gifts for the little ones .
This year , however , marks the end of an era .
“ It ’ s becoming harder for Peter to manage ,” Lauraine said .
“ But it will be sad — we won ’ t know what to do with ourselves over Christmas .”
The decision to step back hasn ’ t been easy , especially given the overwhelming support from the community , but the couple agrees it ’ s time .
As they prepare for their grand finale ,
Lauraine and Peter leave behind not just a dazzling display but a legacy of generosity , creativity , and community spirit . They ’ ve touched countless lives , creating cherished memories that will live on for years to come . Thank you for bringing joy and light to our community !
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BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 46 // JANUARY 2025 11