The Yamba Chamber of Commerce has fulfilled its long-held desire to “erect a gigantic Christmas tree” in the CBD – now, with the help of $4,000 from Rohrig Constructions, the wish has come true. Over recent years, the chamber has resorted to erecting a ‘carpet’ Christmas tree, courtesy of Yamba Rotary, in the small park, known as ‘Chamber Park’, at the intersection of Yamba and Wooli streets. “However, after seeking prices for such a fantastic feature [the gigantic tree], the idea had to be put on the back burner; that is until now,” a Yamba Bowling Club media release states. Cue Brisbane-based Rohrig Constructions, which is currently in the throes of completing the Yamba Bowling Club’s $3million family leisure centre, which includes four lanes of 10 pin bowling, 18 holes of mini golf, 15 metres of traverse climbing wall, a new 35 space car park and fully renovated toilet facilities. Rohrig Constructions contract manager, John Demnar, said that his company “wanted to show its appreciation” of the Yamba community’s welcoming nature “by donating toward a project that the community could be proud of for years to come”. “When we come to places outside of our principal place of business, we like to do things for the area: engage the local contractors and support the area in some way,” he said. “Working through the options, a few things came to light: when this was put on the table, we thought we could support the community and leave a little legacy.” Meanwhile, the project’s manager, Mitch Muir, said he had fallen in love with Yamba. “I knew before I came how beautiful the place was, but I didn’t realise how lovely the people were,” he said. He said he “hasn’t [previously] experienced anything like the friendliness of his neighbours and the town’s shopkeepers”. “The Christmas tree idea seemed the perfect opportunity; Rohrig is delighted to be involved with the chamber of commerce in presenting this fantastic Christmas icon,” he said. “I am sure it is something that my family will enjoy in years to come when we come back to visit for holidays.” The chamber’s president, Sue Hughes, said that the chamber was extremely grateful for the $4,000 donation from Rohrig, towards the $8,000 tree. She said it was a “huge improvement” on the ‘carpet’ tree used in the past. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Rohrig Constructions; we’ve been aiming to do a proper one for years, the ‘carpet tree’ was just a contingency,” she said. “The new tree will be a fixture each year, rolled out for Christmas; kids can have photographs and there will be a happy, positive vibe. “Without this generous donation our dreams of providing a special centre-piece to our Christmas celebrations would not be possible.”