The festive spirit arrived at Australia's political heart on Wednesday morning as Parliament House's magnificent Christmas tree was officially illuminated for the holiday season.
Ceremony Amidst Parliamentary Bells
House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick and Senate President Sue Lines performed the honour of switching on the lights of the spectacular six-metre-tall tree located in the Marble Foyer. The cheerful ceremony occurred during parliament's final sitting week for 2025, with the distinctive bells calling for votes or quorum providing an unexpected musical backdrop.
Speaker Milton Dick noted the seasonal coincidence of the bell colours, remarking with his characteristic jollity, "Look, one thing about the bells here, they're green and red. I'd like to say it was specially for Christmas... I love Christmas [here] because here at Parliament House, everyone works so hard, looking after our democracy."
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
This year's Christmas Giving Tree program embraces sustainability as its central theme, with two environmental-focused organisations selected as beneficiaries. Country Needs People, a national non-profit supporting Indigenous land and sea management, and Landcare Australia, dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable land management, will receive proceeds from the initiative.
Landcare Australia Chairman Doug Humann confirmed that funds raised through the giving tree would support Landcare projects specifically within the Australian Capital Territory.
Continuing a Tradition of Giving
The Christmas Giving Tree program has established an impressive legacy since its inception in 2013, having raised more than $40,000 for various Australian charities over the past twelve years.
Visitors to Parliament House can contribute to this year's campaign through QR codes displayed in multiple locations including the Marble Foyer, Queen's Terrace Cafe, and the Parliament Shop. Alternatively, donations can be made directly through the organisations' websites.
The joyful occasion was shared with young performers Grace Rayment and Stella Yeates from the ACT Young Voices choir, who joined the parliamentary leaders in celebrating the start of the Christmas season at Australia's most important democratic institution.
