The Christmas Tree Project is a staff-led initiative at Dhelkaya Health that brings practical support and kindness to members of our community at Christmas.

The project began in 2014 following the renovation of theatres at our Castlemaine campus. After returning to work, staff were overwhelmed by generous Christmas treats from colleagues. Rather than letting this generosity go to waste, a single box was packed and shared with local housing support services. The response was deeply positive and inspired something more.

The following year, Christmas-wrapped donation boxes were placed across hospital departments and the initiative became known as the Christmas Tree Project. Staff embraced the idea, and it has continued to grow ever since, now including Maldon Hospital. This year, 20 donation boxes were placed across most departments.

Donations of food and toiletries are sorted and repacked into smaller Christmas hampers, which are adjusted by housing support staff to meet individual needs before being distributed within the community. Over the years, stories of gratitude from recipients have highlighted the powerful impact of this simple gesture.

Taking only a few hours each year, the Christmas Tree Project is a lasting example of the generosity and compassion of Dhelkaya Health staff, delivering thoughtful kindness to those who need it most.