Town decked out for Christmas

SHEEP are popping up all-over Meredith as part of the town’s annual Christmas decorating traditions.

Margaret Cooper, president of the Meredith History Interest Group, said community members have been painting sheep decorations for more than 25 years.

“A lady in Meredith cut out a life-sized sheep as it’s traditionally been a sheep district,” she said.

“We thought we’d reproduce them so nearly every sheep that’s around Meredith comes from that one sheep.

“We gave them to people to decorate to encourage people to be creative and get the community involved.”

Over the years, residents have experimented with different themes including 12 painted sheep which represented the 12 days of Christmas and a night before Christmas themed sheep.

The members of the Advance Meredith Association have also added decorations around the town related to the theme of peace.

“I chose the theme because of what’s happening in the world, and I thought it would be nice to have something out there saying let’s have some peace in the community,” said organiser Bev Loveday.

“We have some beautiful white doves, some stars and they’ll be Santa and a sign made.”

Ms Loveday said she hopes the decorations encourage people to stop and reflect.

“It’s always decorated every Christmas but with what’s going on in the world today we need peace in the community,” she said.