Forest of school trees sighted in Geelong CBD

GEELONG’S CBD is alive with festive spirit thanks to the creative efforts of the region’s young scholars.

The 30 wooden Christmas trees, decorated by local primary school students, are now on show in the forecourt at Johnstone Park and along Little Malop Central outside Market Square.

Geelong Mayor and chair of Creative Communities and Culture portfolio Trent Sullivan said students had once again brought the Christmas spirit to central Geelong.

“The festive creativity and flair is really impressive, and it goes to show just how talented our young people are.

“I love the use of bright colours and recycled materials to imaginatively tell their Christmas story and bring joy to locals and visitors.”

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the annual School Christmas Trees program continues to get more popular each year.

“Each tree has been thoughtfully decorated and has its own distinctive character,” Cr Aitken said.

“It’s well worth bringing the kids into central Geelong to visit these special trees and stay for other fun Christmas in Geelong activities and programs.”

Schools involved in the program include Ashby Primary School, Anakie Primary School, Bellaire Primary School, Belmont Primary School, Clairvaux Catholic School, Hamlyn Banks Primary School, Herne Hill Primary School, Highton Primary School, Geelong East Primary School, Leopold Primary School, Lara Primary School, Lara Lake Primary School, Manifold Heights Primary School, Mirripoa Primary School, Nazareth Catholic Primary School (Grovedale), Nelson Park School, Newcomb Park Primary School, Northern Bay College (Tallis St campus), Northern Bay College (Wexford Campus), Oberon Primary School, Our Lady Star of the Sea (Ocean Grove), Portarlington Primary School, South Geelong Primary School, St Anthony’s School (Lara), St Margaret’s Primary School (East Geelong), St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Geelong), St Robert’s (Newtown), St Thomas Catholic Primary School (Drysdale), St Thomas Aquinas Primary School (Norlane), Surfside Primary (Ocean Grove).

Visitors to the School Christmas Trees are being encouraged to tag their photos on social media with #GeelongChristmas to archive photos of the trees.