Christmas may still be months away, but Santa’s helpers in the Daylesford Men’s Shed are making preparations for a bigger and better Wombat Tree display in the town this December.

In a joint project with the Daylesford Rotary Club, the Men’s Shed is refurbishing and expanding the popular “Wombat Tree” decorations that have brought festive cheer to Vincent Street over the past three years.

Men’s Shed Secretary ,Les Groundwater, said members have embraced the project with enthusiasm and purpose.

Daylesford Men’s Shed founder, Andrew Azzopardi works on one of the wooden Christmas trees. (Photo: Mark Rak)

“The Shed is proud of the support it provides to the local community,” he said. “This project demonstrates the skills and commitment of our members.”

This year’s installation will be bigger than ever. The number of decorated trees will increase from 23 to around 33, allowing the display to expand into Howe and Albert Streets for the first time. Meanwhile, more than 560 new wooden wombats are being painted by local school students and community members, bringing the total number of wombats on display to over 1300.

The project will also add a new element this year: decorated wombats will appear in local shop windows, extending the festive atmosphere beyond the trees themselves.

“The extension of the program will make for a more vibrant and fun display,” said Les. “The community has really embraced the wombat trees, and these enhancements will only improve the experience for locals and visitors alike.”

The Wombat Tree project is supported by the Daylesford Rotary Club, the Daylesford and District Community Bank and Hepburn Shire Council.

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♫ Deck the Streets with Trees of Wombats ♫