Recycled wooden pallets have been transformed into a community Christmas mission.
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Netherby in Buninyong has transformed into a Christmas farm with a re-purposed difference, also offering Devonshire tea for those also keen to enjoy an open house and garden this weekend.
In a partnership with Buninyong Men’s Shed, Netherby has created a field of striking wooden trees for sale: some are a fresh green; others are raw for buyers’ to transform; and, for collectors, community artists have painted trees in their unique style.
Trees are topped with a handmade star.
The project has been a year in the making with Men’s Shed elves crafting the trees from a constant flow of pallets donated by hardware stores across the region.
A neighbour has been making distinct wooden reindeer and dropping off a new batch for sale every morning to keep up with demand.
Netherby owner Miranda Donald said the Christmas farm idea grew from a successful pop-up fundraiser for Buninyong Football Netball Club last year. Ms Donald said the “no fuss”, portable trees – which can also be hung without the base on walls – were popular with families but also schools and businesses.
“People are really embracing it,” Ms Donald said. “We have the normal pallets on display to show the whole theme, using what was once assumed to be rubbish to make something special.”
Netherby also has a retail shop set up inside the house, selling handmade gifts and bottomless cups of tea. Ms Donald said people were welcome to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere for the open house and garden with children’s colouring activities available.
A portion of each tree sold will be donated to Ballarat Soup Bus.
Trees are also available in Ballarat at Whites Florist in Mair Street.
Netherby, on the corner of Scott and Warrenheip streets, is open Friday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. This is the last weekend the Christmas farm is open.