Particularly in the early days after somebody has died, their absence at Christmas is something that can be very difficult for families
- Cheryl Lundin
A new central location may encourage extra people to contribute to a Border Christmas tree that is more comfort than celebration.
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Wodonga community palliative care team volunteers have placed a tree of remembrance inside the front door of the High Street library.
Social worker Cheryl Lundin said people could write a note to loved ones who had died or a message of remembrance and hang it on the tree.
"It's across faiths or for people of no faith," she said.
"Christmas is traditionally a time when families get together.
"Particularly in the early days after somebody has died, their absence at Christmas is something that can be very difficult for families."
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The tree will be available during library opening hours until January 10, after which the messages will be collected, burnt and the ashes scattered in the remembrance garden at Sumsion Gardens.
Ms Lundin said the tree, which had been set up in past years, was reintroduced after a break at the request of the volunteers.
"Last year they said they'd really like to reinstitute that, so that's what we did," she said.
When the 2018 tree was being taken down after New Year, a passer-by commented it should stay until Orthodox Christmas.
This suggestion led to a later end date this season.
Always part of the library foyer, the tree is now located in Wodonga's main street since that facility moved to a temporary High Street home last month.
"There's a lot more passing traffic and it will be interesting to see if there's an increase in its usage," Ms Lundin said.
Volunteers checked the tree and comments box regularly to keep it tidy with sufficient cards.
"The written comments that we've had have been very positive," the social worker said. "People have expressed their thanks for it, they felt it was something that was needed."
The Wodonga community palliative care team has about 15 volunteers, who help clients in practical ways such as respite care and transport to appointments.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
