Tinsel and Tractors: Christmas in Campaspe Shire

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The countdown to Christmas is on! Ahead of the festive season, Campaspe Shire Council elves have been working closely with community groups to develop town decorations.

Mayor Cr Chrissy Weller said each community group was to be congratulated for their unique decoration ideas.

“Every community group who sat down with Council representatives had something distinctive and inventive in mind. The creativity behind each project is remarkable.

“For some, their project may be completely Christmas orientated, while others may have elected to complete a project that adds to previous town developments.

“We’re tremendously proud to provide this annual program, which in turn, supplies some shire wide Christmas cheer.”

Tongala is sticking close to its agricultural roots, offering Santa Claus a tractor instead of a sleigh. Perfect for Christmas photos, ‘Ol’ Tonny Tractor Selfie Station’ will become the latest addition to the town’s recent development projects, the Tongala Hay Bale Trail and Tongala Street Art.

The community is working with a local fabrication company to construct ‘Ol’ Tonny’, the cut-out tractor and trailer. Complete with bench seats, ‘Ol’ Tonny’ is designed for children to sit in and have their photo taken. This will be located at the back of the playground in Potts Park.

The Colbo Christmas drums will return, following the Colbinabbin community’s decision to reinstate the little 44 gallon drummer boys along Mitchell Street and in the silo carpark.

This year, the drums are being designed to look like rows of candles. The organisers are calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and lend their artistic skills.

“As well as being decorative, the salvaged 44 gallon drums in Colbinabbin are a triumph for recycling,” said Cr Weller.

In Kyabram, a local signwriter is crafting the town’s nativity scene. This classic Christmas image will be placed within Rodney Chambers. Meanwhile at Kyabram Town Hall, Santa’s Cave will make a comeback.

The Nanneella community will ensure their school is shining brightly, with solar lights to illuminate the fence at Nanneella Estate Primary School.

Across other towns within the shire, existing decorations will be reinstated. For instance, Rochester’s famous bike wheel ornaments will return.

All Christmas decorations are expected to be displayed around townships by early December.

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