Christmas has come early for 11 local schools in the form of a personalised Christmas tree for the children to decorate and proudly display.
The concept was developed by Mayor Peta Betts and Deputy Mayor Paul Fellows, who then asked Edward River Council to come on board.
Cr Betts said the project is designed to bring some festive cheer after a number of tough years.
The trees were handmade by Paul Fellows and Brett Hunter, David St Leon made and donated the bells that sit on top and Deni Steel Supplies donated the materials.
Each school will decorate the trees in their own style.
They will all be displayed to the public during the Community Christmas Party and Carols by Candlelight event in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens on December 16.
Cr Betts said delivering the trees to each school was, “so exciting”.
“It was great to surprise the schools and the looks on their faces made it all worthwhile,” she said.
South school principal Liz Dudley was pleasantly surprised by the delivery and said, “ it’s a bit exciting and it’s going to be lots of fun.”
Schools to receive trees were: Deniliquin South School, Deniliquin North School, Edward Public School, Deniliquin High School, St Michael’s School, Mayrung Public School, Blighty Public School, Conargo Public School, Deniliquin Children’s Centre, Goodstart Early Learning and Gulpa Pre-school.
After this year’s display, the tree frames will be returned to the school to be decorated in future years.