Keilor East man builds 7m wide nativity display

This 7m-wide church nativity display, which boasts a motorised windmill, working fireplace, running water and a small pond, has it all — and it was built single-handedly by a 73-year-old man. Take a closer look.

Larry Mizzi has built his annual giant Christmas nativity display at St Peter's Catholic Church in East Keilor. Picture: Ellen Smith

Keilor East youngsters will be transported away in a manger this Christmas thanks to a very special display.

St Peter’s Catholic Church launched their annual nativity display on December 1, with completely different decorations to last year.

Keilor East’s Larry Mizzi, 73, said it took him about a month to construct the display — all by himself.

The display takes Larry Mizzi a month to construct. Picture: Ellen Smith

“I do it mostly because I love seeing people’s faces light up when they see it, that’s my reward,” Mr Mizzi said.

“It brings out the real meaning of Christmas.”

The 7m by 3m scene has a motorised windmill, a working fireplace, a well with running water, a small pond and 10 Christmas trees.

73-year-old Larry Mizzi builds the display every year. Picture: Ellen Smith

The well has running water. Picture: Ellen Smith

Mr Mizzi, who has been constructing the display for five years, said it was challenging at times to set up but worth it.

“Carrying those heavy rocks was hard,” he said.

“I used to be an electrician and that does come in handy.”

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The Christmas fanatic said he tried to change up the display every year.

“The people are overjoyed, we have so many people come down to see it,” Mr Mizzi said.

The nativity display will be running until January 6, and is free to attend.