Jenny Pollard, The Buloke Times
A new vision for Charlton’s Christmas decorations has been realised thanks to the innovation and inspiration of a small group named “Community Spark”. The volunteer-led team, comprising many “newcomers” to town, has created the impetus for refreshing and renewing the main street décor, along with encouraging local involvement in boosting the festive signature of the township.
In the lead is the creative vision of residents, Jodie Quinn, Bronwyn Fisher and Tanya Windsor, three ladies who have co-opted helpers, encouraged other artists and overseen the process of dressing the town up to present a welcoming Christmas atmosphere.
“Everyone felt that Charlton needed a lift,” said Jodie, “and we really wanted to encourage people to get involved in decorating their homes. Our group – which is made up of around 18 people – has members who contribute in many ways, and we are all passionate about stimulating the community to create something fresh.”
No snow!
Making it an Aussie Christmas was paramount – so firstly, no snow! The focal points scattered around town have brought forth the quirky and the fun – from Mark Windsor’s painting of a trusty old ute, complete with Christmas tree, to Brian Townsend’s stunning montage of six white boomers pulling a Holden loaded with gifts. Both creations are lit at night by solar powered batteries, as is the tyre Christmas tree nearby, further enhancing the spectacle for passers-by. A conscious effort was made to incorporate upcycling into much of the display. Australian elements have also been used widely for another initiative based on the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Picture boards
Twelve picture boards (also created by Brian Townsend) have Aussie icons replacing the European originals and have been located in front gardens around the town. The community is being encouraged to go on a “treasure-hunt”, filling in each board location on a list then submitting it to the draw for movie pass prizes. (Lists can be dropped off at the Charlton Post Office).
Mission
With the group’s mission being “working together to make Charlton shine” the involvement from schools and support from local businesses has also been inspiring. Contributing customized handpainted stars, students from St. Joseph’s School can see their efforts embellishing the entrance to the Charlton Community Bank and adding to the tinsel festoons strung all the way along the main street, Charlton College created a stand-alone Christmas tree decorated with multiple baubles accompanied by a smiling Santa located near the swimming pool entrance. And FLO (Flexible Learning Options) students used their talents to make multiple lanterns from discarded tins, which now decorate the Traveller’s Rest and the Band Rotunda near the Museum.
Another eye-catching feature is the James Paterson bridge wrapped with red tinsel and decorative bouquets making a dazzling entrance to the town. Jodie, Bronwyn and Tanya are hopeful that this year’s effort will trigger a new and vibrant direction for town displays and that the community comes on board to produce bigger and better things into the future.
Feedback
A flyer outlining the group and its goals has been circulated to all households, and feedback will be sought on how this year’s effort has been viewed. The group will be open to suggestions, as well as welcoming others into the mix to help grow the initiative. Feedback forms can be collected from the Charlton Post Office, Charlton Neighbourhood House, Charlton Newsagent and IGA. A community acknowledgement board thanking the many sponsors and supporters also appears in the window of the Charlton Post Office.
So, get out and about and enjoy the displays over the holiday season. The décor is up until January 4, so over Christmas, why not do a town tour? Capture a few “selfies” and share Charlton’s renewed “Aussie” celebration widely.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 9 December 2025.
