Early risers in Lismore would have seen Santa’s elves constructing the annual recycled surprise Christmas tree at the round-about on the corners of Magellan and Keen streets.
Workers toiled through the night and at around d 4.30am the deed was done – the 2020 Drum Tree was born,
Standing at about seven metres tall, the CBD masterpiece is made from recycled 25-litre drums, a nod to the rural community is in the region in a year where they have had to contend with bushfires, drought, floods.
In keeping with the theme the bows and bonbons are all made from chaff and feed bags – the colourful candy canes are made from recycled PVC pipes, with a touch of paint.
Council’s official Christmas elf said the the rural community is integral to Lismore. ‘The heart has become a symbol associated with Lismore and we expanded on this theme, providing staff with more than 40 heart frames (from left over metal) and solid hearts (from a previous year’s projects) to decorate with recycled materials.
‘Each one is so unique and creative. It’s great that so many staff and their families were able to contribute in this way.’
A tradition of recycled trees
This is the sixth tree Council staff have erected on the corner at the site to celebrate the festive season and Lismore’s commitment to recycling and sustainability.
It was constructed over the last three months with staff volunteering their own time and donating to cover all costs such as paint.
The tradition began in 2015, when Council staff created a Christmas tree as a gift for the community from old bicycles painted in many colours. In 2016 staff made the tree from old car tyres and in 2017 it was fashioned from old road signs with an impressive ‘Give Way’ star. In 2018, the tree was constructed of 49 second-hand umbrellas to create a very colourful and much talked about tree. Last year, was the Living Christmas Tree with more than 300 potted plants.
‘We love the recycled Christmas tree and although our take on it this year is a little different, we hope the community of Lismore will enjoy it,’ said the elf. ‘Council staff are proud to be part of the Lismore community and we wanted to give back and help make our city an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
‘We hope that it can spread some joy, kindness and love at this time of year.
‘Merry Christmas Lismore!’
