A Weedy Christmas: Sustainability and Creativity Shine at the 2024 Darwin Christmas Pageant
The Weed Management Branch made a memorable debut at the 2024 Darwin Christmas Pageant, showcasing its Gamba Action Vehicle with a sustainably crafted Christmas tree designed from eco-friendly materials.
The ingenious display captivated spectators, highlighting creativity, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainability.
“How you do anything is how you do everything.” - John Wick
The Weed Management Branch (WMB) embodied this principle at the 2024 Darwin Christmas Pageant with its debut presentation of the Gamba Action Vehicle, featuring a truly unique and sustainable Christmas tree, on Saturday 16 November 2024.
Designed by Weed Sciences Technical Officer, Gerald Danao, and with support from colleagues, the construction was executed with the help of some community volunteers. The tree highlighted eco-friendly materials:
- Base: A safety ladder served as its sturdy foundation.
- The tree: Scrap shade cloth.
- Decorations: Native plants, including Acacia dunnii leaves and dried Pandanus fruit husks/cones.
Adding to the display’s allure, Frydryka Michna of the Geospatial Services, stood gracefully beside the tree, greeting spectators and waving ribbons. Spectators were intrigued by the tree's originality and often stopped to comment on it. Many asked about the cones, curious to know what they were made from. They marvelled at the creative use of our own native Pandanus fruit husks scattered around our localities.
WMB Director, Nigel Weston, expressed a potential dedication to making this an annual initiative, further encouraging sustainability, creativity, and engagement with the community.
The pageant itself was a celebration of Darwin’s vibrant community spirit, featuring over 50 colourful floats. From schools and businesses to cultural performers and community organisations, each participant brought their unique touch, showcasing the diversity and talent of the region.
Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Flora and Fauna Division’s Anna Miller and Darcy Martin for their logistical support in transporting the materials for the Christmas tree, as well as volunteers Sherwin Reyes and Eugene Musngi for their invaluable time and artistic assistance.
