Christmas has come early in St Leonards

THE small coastal town of St Leonards has been transformed into a Christmas paradise with the help of the community.

The decorations include 27 trees in Christmas sweaters, while the students at St Leonards Primary School gave the town their own unique touch.

On December 4, 2020 students headed to Harvey Park where they were able to decorate wooden Christmas trees cut and painted by the St Leonards Men’s Shed.

The wooden-tree decoration is in its first year-running but has already received widespread praise.

Project organiser and Convenor of the Town’s sub-committee, Marie Reed said the community spirit came to the forefront during this holiday season.

“I asked locals about the Yarn bombing project on our Community Information Page and received an overwhelming response from people who knit, crochet, and sew,” she said.

“It was a great isolation project during COVID-19, and I know from a recent coffee get-together, new friends have been made as a result.”

The Yarn bombing is the return of and old tradition that has been absent in the town since 2013.

“All the colourful decorations brighten the main street and after a difficult year, it really helps lift the spirits of locals and visitors,” she said.

The community Christmas project has seen several key community groups come together to help deliver the holiday cheer.

Participating groups included St Leonards Primary School, the local Men’s Shed and Lions Club as well as the Town’s Sub-Committee and City of Greater Geelong.

“The community response has been absolutely amazing, I think the coming-together of several St Leonards Community groups has been very special and shows what a community can achieve together,” Ms Reed said.

The St Leonards Christmas makeover has been funded by the Drysdale and Portarlington Lions Club with hopes of soon receiving a Community Grant from the City of Greater Geelong.

“The result of the projects are creative, unique and colourful and are very deserving of the many positive comments they are receiving,” Ms Reed said.