Santa's helpers at Toowoomba Region Men's Sheds are turning their skills to a festive project with the creation of metallic Christmas trees.
The project grew from an idea developed by Council staff in conjunction with the Oakey Chamber of Commerce.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said he applauded the goodwill of the talented crews at Crows Nest, Oakey, Highfields, Millmerran and Pittsworth Men's Sheds.
"The 15 metallic community Christmas trees can be decorated with baubles that residents can collect from regional locations," Mayor Antonio said. (*see full tree locations and bauble collection points listed below)
"I admire the Men's Sheds' inventiveness to keep the Christmas spirit alive in a year when many community events have been cancelled or scaled back to comply with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
"I encourage residents to collect a bauble and decorate their closest tree to join a collective Christmas celebration.
"The Christmas season brings an air of excitement, anticipation and the prospect of celebrating with friends and family. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to capping 2020 with some festive cheer.
"The shutdown earlier this year really highlighted how important regular community social events and celebrations are to this city and Region, especially at Christmas.
"Let's not forget the importance of giving and supporting others who are struggling for many different reasons.
"On behalf of my Council colleagues, I wish all residents peace, hope and joy this Christmas season."
To view regional events, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events
Caption: Stars of the show: Oakey Men's Shed members John Harrison (left) and Leon Batzloff roll another Christmas tree off the production line.
Town Tree Location Bauble Collection Point
Cooyar Cooyar Memorial Park Cooyar Progress Assn & Cooyar Hotel
Crows Nest Crows Nest Library Crows Nest Library
Highfields Highfields Library Highfields Library
Hampton Hampton Visitor Info Centre Hampton VIC
Goombungee Goombungee Service Centre Goombungee Library
Oakey Oakey Service Centre Oakey Library
Kingsthorpe Kingsthorpe Recreation Park Kingsthorpe & District Progress Assn Op Shop
Quinalow Quinalow Sports Reserve Quinalow Library & Quinalow Progress Assn
Peranga Peranga Hall Peranga Hall
Pittsworth Centenary Park Pittsworth Library
Southbrook Bi-Centennial Park Brookstead School
Clifton Clifton Library Clifton Library
Cambooya Cambooya Post Office Cambooya Post Office
Millmerran Millmerran Community Support Centre Millmerran Community Support Service
Cecil Plains Cecil Plains Library Cecil Plains Library
