News

Tree-mendous trees on display

By Lua Ikenasio

Dec 5, 2025

Dan Hedington, Marg Hedington, Monda Pellrino, Gary Baldwin, Rob Brown and Debbie Neville posing with the REDHS social support group Christmas tree. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

The Rochester community has filled the Rochester Shire Hall with Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes as part of the annual Christmas tree display.

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This year's display includes 39 Christmas trees, decorated and created by community members, local groups and businesses.

Rochester Neighbourhood House youth and community engagement officer Jenna Harvey said the community enjoys taking part in the display.

“It's just a really lovely way to spread Christmas cheer which is what I just love about it, that it makes people happy, but it's also it's a great way to get the community involved,” she said.

“When we did it the first year, we had people asking, ‘are you going to do it again next year?’ and the same thing last year.

“There are people that are planning next year's trees already. So we'll be doing it again next year.”

Although many participants returned from previous years, several families and individuals entered the display for the first time.

Most of the trees keep their traditional triangular shape, but each group has decorated theirs to reflect the community organisation it represents.

The display is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm, up until Christmas Day.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree and the winner will be announced once the competition is over.