Kempsey’s only Christmas tree destroyed by “suspicious” fire

Council is reviewing CCTV footage.

Author

Ellie Chamberlain
December 04, 2025

 

After a tough year of major weather events, Kempsey residents have had their lights dimmed yet again.

The community Christmas tree on the corner of Smith and Belgrave Streets in the middle of Kempsey’s CBD, an area that was only a few months ago inundated with flood waters – has been destroyed by a fire police are treating as suspicious. 

What happened: About 11.15pm on Wednesday, emergency services responded to reports of a fire. Police arrived to find the large Christmas tree well alight. Fire and Rescue crews worked to extinguish the flames, but the tree was destroyed. 

Floods destroyed the previous trees: Just one week earlier Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring said in a Facebook post that council’s trees have been destroyed in this year's floods.

  • Council had only managed to replace one tree – being the tree on Smith Street – stating the replacement of the West Kempsey Christmas tree would have to wait until next year.

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Joy and brightness: “The Parks and Gardens team have made it their mission to make sure we have a beautiful tree for the festive season,” wrote Mayor Ring.

  • “Christmas isn’t any easy time for everyone, it can bring extra stress, extra worry and anxiety and sometimes at the end of the year, we are just a bit tired. But we hope this tree brings some cheer, joy and brightness to the town after a really tough year.”

What now: Following the tree being burnt down, council is currently reviewing CCTV footage. Staff will coordinate the removal of what remains of the tree over the coming days.

  • “We are deeply disappointed and saddened for our community and for the Council staff who, over many months, worked hard to procure, decorate and install the tree after what has been a challenging year for the shire,” a Kempsey Shire Council spokesperson said.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Thumbnail: Christmas Tree in Kempsey on November 26 (L) and December 4 (R) Kempsey Shire Council