When you drive into the CBD today you will notice the 2020 Lismore recycled tree is in place on the roundabout at Magellan and Keen Street.

This years tree is all about our rural community with Cheryl, one of Lismore City Council's Customer Service Officers saying "our rural community is integral to Lismore and we wanted to give them a nod in a year they had to contend with bushfires, drought, floods and COVID-19."

Work began on this 7 metre tall tree at 4:30 this morning. The CBD masterpiece is made from recycled 25-litre drums which are used by farmers and hobby farmers on the land. The bows and Christmas bonbons are all made from chaff and feed bags. The colourful candy canes are made from recycled PVC pipes with a touch of paint and you will even see some whirlybirds in the mix.

The heart has become a symbol associated with Lismore and this year Lismore City Council staff got creative and provided more than 40 heart frames from left over metal to decorate with recycled materials.

"Each one is so unique and creative," Cheryl said, "It's great that so many staff and their families were able to contribute in this way."

This is the sixth tree Council staff have erected to celebrate the festive season and Lismore's commitment to recycling and sustainability.

It was constructed over the last three months with staff volunteering their own time and donating to cover all costs such as paint.

The tradition began in 2015, when Council staff created a Christmas tree as a gift for the community from old recycled bicycles painted in many colours.

In 2016 staff made the tree from old cars tyres and in 2017 it was fashioned from old road signs with an impressive 'Give Way' star.

2018 saw 49 second hand umbrellas adorn the tree to create a very colourful and much talked about Christmas tree while last year was the Living Christmas Tree with more than 300 potted plants.

"We love the recycled Christmas tree and although our take on it this year is a little different, we hope the community of Lismore will enjoy it," Cheryl said.

"We hope that it can spread some joy, kindness and love at this time of year. Merry Christmas Lismore."

The recycled Christmas tree will come to life each night powered by solar panels and battery storage.

For those that have never seen the construction of the Christmas tree, below are three videos featuring stage 1, 2 and the crowning of the star for stage 3.