A major Christmas lights display in Burpengary East has been left heavily damaged by a recent supercell storm, placing this year’s showcase at risk.
Storm Hits Established Display In Burpengary East
A supercell storm that moved across South East Queensland earlier in the week caused serious damage to the Strickland family’s “Merry Strickland” Christmas display at 12 Bedarra Crescent in Burpengary East. The storm brought hail reported at up to 12 centimetres, with power outages affecting around 160,000 properties.
The display, valued at about $30,000, features thousands of lights and large inflatables. It has built significant online attention, gathering more than 200 million views on social media and being featured by overseas outlets.
Extent Of Damage And Safety Measures
The organiser reported that all roof-installed items were damaged beyond repair. For safety reasons, the entire display has been switched off while they assess what can be salvaged. They noted that the internal damage is greater than it appears from the outside.
Insurance may cover some items, although not in time for the current season. Local businesses had already contributed materials towards the display, and the organiser expressed concern about disappointing supporters given the scale of the damage.
Permit Requirements And Financial Pressure
In October, the family were advised by the City of Moreton Bay that a local event permit costing $984 was required for the display to proceed. The permit includes conditions such as traffic management planning. Previous years saw complaints about traffic delays, crowding, and blocked driveways.
A subscription service was launched earlier to help cover costs including previous electricity bills, which reached about $1300. The organiser stated that they do not plan to start fundraising campaigns and are not seeking public donations.
The permit process is currently on hold while the organiser considers the storm’s impact.
Community Interest And Local Response In Burpengary East
The display has become a seasonal attraction within the North Harbour estate. Past seasons drew large crowds, contributing to delays within the area, although it also became a point of interest for many families. The organiser noted appreciation for those who reached out after the storm.
Outlook For This Year’s Display
The family is continuing to assess what can be repaired or replaced. Time constraints and the extent of the damage may prevent the display from returning in its usual form. Updates will be shared as the organiser determines whether the event can proceed in Burpengary East this season.
Published 27-Nov-2025
Photo Credit: Merry Strickland Christmas/Facebook
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