Crowd favourite crowned at Christmas Tree Festival

A LOCAL not-for-profit group has taken out the People’s Choice Award at Geelong’s Christmas Tree Festival, earning top honours for its creatively decorated tree at St Paul’s Church.

Gentle Tango received the most votes from more than 20 local community groups that took part in this year’s festival, which sees organisations decorate trees for public display and voting.

The group’s mission is to help older generations thrive, welcoming people living with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other health or movement challenges, as well as those who have experienced loss.

Participants come together each Wednesday night to dance, share a meal and connect over their shared experiences.

This year’s winning tree was decorated by Gentle Tango lead Pam Jarvis alongside a team of volunteers, using recycled materials and symbolic designs.

“We started collecting aluminium foil from the meals that we give away, washing it and repurposing it for the tree,” Ms Jarvis said.

“This year our theme was ‘hearts’ because our group is about love and care and connection. We had little symbols of figure 8s for infinity and to reference the beautiful tango step we dance.

“We also made chains because that’s what the community connection is about, as well as the musical notes to reference tango.

“We thought it was lovely to show people how you can recycle things that could go into waste.”

Ms Jarvis said the group was thrilled to be recognised by the community.

“We were just rapt, it was a wonderful concept to be part of it,” she said.

“This year was our second year of doing it, and I’m sure we will be back again.”