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ABC News
ABC News
Environment
By Ellie Honeybone

Spirit of 2020: Bunbury woman's loo roll Christmas tree an ode to 'crappy' year

The toilet paper roll Christmas tree stands proud and tall in the main street of Bunbury.

A creative Bunbury woman has built a massive Christmas tree built entirely from toilet paper rolls to represent a "crappy" 2020.

The tree is on display inside an empty shop window in the coastal city's main shopping strip, bringing a smile to the faces of passers-by.

The origins of the tree date back to April, when Sharon Lomax and her neighbours were gathered in their driveways for a socially distanced Anzac Day celebration.

It was also at the height of panic buying and toilet paper shortages.

"Let's face it, toilet paper was an issue this year," Mrs Lomax said.

"I figured if people were buying that much toilet paper there was going to be a lot of toilet rolls.

"It was a bit of a joke … and a way of keeping people connected.

"Soon all the people in the street were dropping off toilet rolls to me, leaving them at the door if I wasn't there."

It took Mrs Lomax about two weeks to construct the tree, and she soon realised it would be too large to fit in her house.

"A few people who saw it said 'you need to get that out where other people can enjoy and get a giggle out of it'," she said.

"I approached one of our local real estate agencies who happened to have this empty space and they very kindly let me use it for nothing.

"Now anyone who walks past can can have a look at it. It just represents the year that we've had.

"It's been a really — excuse the expression — crappy year."

During her creative journey, Mrs Lomax discovered not all toilet paper rolls are made equal.

"I discovered that some rolls are a lot better quality than others," she said.

"Some still have bits of toilet paper on them and their brand names written. I kept that because I wanted it to be authentic.

"It also made me stop and think of all the stories behind the toilet rolls — which is a really weird thought, I know.

"But people do tend to think when they go to the toilet, so I'm sure there's lots of great ideas, lots of stories, behind every toilet roll that I've put into that tree."

The tree will remain in the centre of Bunbury until just before Christmas and will be brightly lit at night for people to enjoy.

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