Santa out and about on two wheels
01st Dec 2020
Around Christmas time every year, Dan McGinty pulls his faithful red suit out of the cupboard and takes to the streets of Guyra on his motorcycle as a way of spreading Christmas cheer.
The reason is simple – he just wants to help the kids in town to make memories and feel the joy of Christmas. He has no schedule, but says he just cruises when he feels like it, alerting residents via social media that he is out and about.
Dan said that what makes it worthwhile is the response he gets from kids, but also from many of the town's more ‘senior’ residents who wave from their verandahs as he goes by.
“It is awesome to see the looks on the kids’ faces and see their reactions but some of my biggest fans are actually the older residents who greet me with waves and cheers,” he said.
“I really enjoy doing it and love playing the character. Lots of people say there is no Christmas spirit around anymore, but I prefer to get out there and just do it – don’t talk about, get out and make it happen.”
Dan is happy to be the Santa in the family snap, so if you see him flag him down and he is happy to pose.
If you haven’t seen Santa on two wheels yet, keep your eye out usually on the weekends in the late afternoon.
He has no set schedule, but will alert the town via facebook and will continue right up until Christmas.
December 2020
- Plans in place for COVID safe Show
- What’s happening in January 2021?
- Rotary Christmas Raffle
- COVID grant delivers $985,000 for Guyra
- Champion volunteers honoured
- Shearer training opportunity
- Protesters fight for change
- New Mayor and Deputy elected
- Enrolments on the rise for 2021
- Achievements celebrated
- Farewell and welcome
- Bore water supply review finds Council complied with obligations
- 19 year old dies in highway accident
- Ratepayer activists demand fairness and transparency
- $20,000 for new smart boards
- Submissions still open on the proposed SRV
- Schools take part in water safety programs
- Ribbon cutting for redeveloped Hub
- Santa out and about on two wheels
- Financial reports confirm worst fears
- Fitting tribute for horse enthusiast
- Dancers take to the stage in Guyra
- "Compelling case" for Rail Trail
- No further action on hydrotherapy pool project
- Water conservation needed as temperatures climb
November 2020
- Peonies pull them in
- Separation plan for new council almost ready
- Rotary public speaking
- Have Your Say: November 25th
- Spotlight – High On Health Natural Therapies
- Honeybee Swarm Season begins
- Councillors back, but with restrictions
- Year 12 told to ‘follow your dreams’
- Guyra farmers will be the big losers
- Peony Festival set to take off
- Fibre Art the focus of new Guyra gallery
- Savings promised for forced amalgamations buried in red ink
- Bald Blair welcomes back transition
- Preschool marks NAIDOC Week
- Zooming in for NAIDOC celebrations
- Postie Bike Dash invades town
- New General Manager to start in January
- CBD powerlines set to get overhauled
- Guyra Show will go on
- $150,000 for Tingha Gems
- Crews respond to unplanned power outage
- Spotlight - JoJo’s Coffee Shop
- Join the New England Gift Card promotion
- Man charged with cattle theft following investigation
- New Mobile Phone Tower at Copeton Dam switched on
- Adopted planning statement sets clear vision for region
- Sharon’s significant contribution recognised
- Book Week Celebrations at Guyra Central
- Gold record now part of museum collection
- Smart water meters proposed for households
- Spotlight - Black Sheep Wool’’n’Wares
- Council seeks views on Special Rate Variation
- Walkers raise $2739 during October
October 2020
- Saleyard upgrades get go ahead
- Discovering science in a fun way
- Q Fever vaccination clinics return
- Garden Club introduces weekend meetings
- Will you help share the dignity?
- Essential work on local powerlines this weekend
- Push for upgrade of Guyra saleyards
- Explosion of colour brightens bare wall
- Awareness day powered by pink
- Enjoy some Halloween fun in Guyra
- Old car finds new home in car museum
- A workshop for anyone interested in wildlife rescue
- Water consumption goes on display
- Quest for Polar Bears get back in the pool
- Second term as President of NSW Farmers
- Revised CBD speed limit for Bradley Street
- Dancing through the pandemic
- Planning begins for Spring Flower Festival
- Chamber Chatter
- Peony Festival to bloom in November
- Squealing Piglets ride in for Men’s Health
- HAVE YOUR SAY: No windfarms on prime agricultural land
- Main street upgrade works set to restart
September 2020
- Inquiry into dysfunction
- Stepping up to the challenge
- Majority still want rural council
- Learning centre plans go on public display
- Planning milestone for proposed wind farm
- Spotlight on business - Burgess Garage Car Museum
- Spotlight on business - Sarah Wren
- Mural brings walls to life
- Health message with coffee
- Medallions for our WWII veterans
- Brow salon now open in Guyra
- Trampolines added to new playground
- Wartime memorabilia preserved
- New President for Guyra Chamber
- Second man charged after vehicle rammed near Guyra
- Dynamic lagoons survey online
- Spotlight on business - The Rainbow Room
- Best result for Glenmorgan
- Local student selected for rural leadership program
- Will our festival go ahead?
- Library restrictions eased
- A workaholic with a passion for plants
- Vehicle rammed and two detained
- Rotary welcomes incoming team
- Spotlight on Local Business - Hammond Plumbing & Khammo
- New leader for Tablelands Health Sector
- Hunt on for new GM as ban extended
- Bin audit identifies need for more organics diversion
- CWA takes stand against domestic violence
- Free course to identify and assist people struggling with mental health
- Vegetation program to ensure power safety
- Spotlight on Local Business - Sue Ross Real Estate
- Education Awards
August 2020
- Ben Lomond RFS celebrates
- Snow day falls short of predictions
- Water restrictions eased to level 3
- Spotlight on Local Business - BESTECH P/L & GUYRA MOWERS & CHAINSAWS
- Sports Reports August 19th, 2020
- Bridgewater tops at $10,000
- Film Society launched
- Local support drives Glenavon sale
- Bald Blair breaks records at annual sale
- Operation Stock Check to combat livestock theft
- Past connections prove a winner
- Hub expansion taking shape
- Meeting backs new Rural Council
- Community survey for learning centre design
- NAB changes opening hours
- Spark remains strong for Geoff Thrift
- Water is life!
- End of an Era for local milkos
- New gateway to Mother of Ducks
- Free webinars help prepare for future disaster events
- Catholic Schools Week
- Spotlight on Local Business – PF & JD Dullaway
- Winner claims Keno prize
- Relief for farmers with multiple holdings
July 2020
- Deano’s shines on lifestyle show
- Keno looking for $45,000 winner
- Show heading in the right direction
- Spotlight on Local Business - Kirk’s IGA
- Level 5 water restrictions will remain
- Malpas dam restocked with rainbow trout
- Scammers targeting the region
- Cattle stolen from Ben Lomond stock route
- Grandstand is something to cheer about
- Beauty Basics by Em now open
- COVID unleashes creativity
- Reverend Campbell becomes State Moderator
- Martin, Murray and Widders gone
- Coming home to Guyra
- Acting General Manager appointed
- Region set to light up
- Spotlight on Local Business - Dasha’s Hardware
- Tropical Winter Song Launch
- OPINION:Should Guyra get its Council back?
- College corner - There’s never been a better time
- Why we need to pay more for water
- Guyra’s Blue Tree
- Grandstand under construction
- Spotlight of Local Business - CT Electric
- Film nights set to return
- Ebor hatchery busy breeding trout
June 2020
- Police warn there are no excuses for drink driving
- Crafty ladies give back to community
- A just reward for a helping hand
- Rainbow Room here to stay
- The community deserves better
- Release of report fails to stem protests
- Much loved Principal retires
- Draft Budget and Operational Plan on exhibition
- Farmers filthy about rubbish charges
- Regeneration a boost to precious habitat
- Sam White to head Angus Australia
- $66,270 grant secured for Showground
- Water sustainability number one for Costa Group
- Is our Lagoon at risk?
- Council suspended and administrator appointed
- ‘Why you need Indoor plants in your life’
- ‘In this together’ planting trees at Little Llangothlin
- Councillor Gray calls its quits
- Funding boost for hydrotherapy pool complex
- Markets and more happening
- OAM for Aileen MacDonald
- Guyra Police investigating thefts
- House damaged by fire in South Guyra
- First snow day of the year
- Administration now a certainty
- Top performance from our Post Office
- Library reopens its doors
- “Be creative with your space”
- Sewing up new jobs
- Wild dog baiting program takes off
- The doors are open again!
May 2020
- Getting back to normal for pubs and club
- Two new energy projects for district
- Community survey for playground equipment
- Arrests over Guyra break and enter
- College Connections
- $400,000 expansion of ‘The Hub’ poised to start
- Minister intervenes in council dispute
- Diners welcomed back in store as restrictions ease
- Mayor welcomes additional assistance
- Rail trail decision unchanged
- Waste turned into art
- Community webinars on groundwater network
- New early learning centre for Guyra
- Whimsical and colourful store opens
- Kids get back to school as restrictions ease
- Restoration grant for historic Church
- CEO showdown in court as Minister called in
- Have your say
- Get out your Green Thumbs!
- COVID-19 Boost for NECC
- Sales hot as auctions go online
- CEO stoush on again
- Tiny toilets unveiled at rec ground
April 2020
- Candles at dawn honour ANZACs
- ANZAC services with a difference
- Crime victim thanks local heroes
- Rail trail motion deferred again
- Drive-through COVID-19 testing
- Learning continues at Black Mountain
- Drought Aid campaign wraps up
- Autumn glory in the garden
- New cafe open for business
- Council takes action on feral cats
- Monitoring bores being installed
- A different day dawns for ANZACs
- Bin audit to assess contanimation
- Poetry in motion, despite isolation
- No public services for ANZAC Day
- Calls to care for Mother of Ducks
- Lamb & Potato Festival scores $130,000 for new space
- Growing tomatoes is an essential service
- Learning to learn online
- MPS has plans in place for pandemic
- Flight lifeline needed after Qantas halts service
- A potted history of the Mother of Ducks Lagoon
- Free TAFE courses on during pandemic
- Letters to the Editor
- Man charged with multiple offences after pursuit in Guyra
- Supermarket workers at the front line
- Historical Society needs your help.
- Guyra couple celebrate Platinum Anniversary
March 2020
- Important Update from your local newspaper
- Council elections pushed back by 12 months
- A helping hand from VRA
- Be calm and stay patient, we are in this together
- St Patrick’s day fun and games
- Book and Collect from Library
- Pandemic strikes hard, forcing a new way of doing business
- MP urges community to keep it real
- Council closes facilities and offices
- Grand plans for grand old theatre
- CWA test skills at group level
- Hope Family Fun Day cancelled
- How to protect your health
- Future bright for Class of 2019
- Armidale Probus come up the hill
- Lions mystery outing a hit with seniors
- Glitz and Glamour on the dance floor
- ADRA expanding to better serve community
- Rail Trail back on the agenda
- Amazing artworks on show
- Show season starts with success at Glen Innes
- Turmoil in the ranks - moves to sack CEO
February 2020
- Malpas Dam hits 50 percent
- Region plays critical role during bushfires
- Country life suits new Anglican Minister
- Show marks new beginning
- Showgirls inspire and learn
- High speed chase ends in Guyra
- Funding boost for Ben Lomond and Guyra projects
- St Marys swimming carnival
- ‘Glimpses of New England’
- Show stopper planned for 2020
- Fundraiser planned for Hope family
- ATMs smashed, but thief left empty handed
- Turning waste into business opportunity
- Glitzy gathering coming up Seniors
- Water strategy a key step to higher dam capacity
- Appeal for cohesion to achieve Council goals
- Councillors concerns over Mayor’s leadership
- Jean Vickery named as Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year
- Life Lessons learned in Guyra by Warrnambool Citizen of the Year
- Pamper night works wonders
- The Class of 2020
January 2020
- STATEMENT FROM ADAM MARSHALL ON COUNCIL
- AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD FOR DOROTHY VICKERY OAM
- Hay delivery another reason to smile
- GIVIT ready to help out
- Final thank you to Frank Presnell
- Life membership for Bertha and Geoff Reeves
- Dams full but water restrictions will remain until drought breaks
- Sue Adams named Guyra’s Citizen of the Year
- Train passes the test
- Who will be our Citizen of the Year?
- Guyra Dam at 31 percent capacity following recent rain
- Art Exhibition branches out
- Totems unveiled at Kolora
- Australia All Over in Guyra for Australia Day broadcast
- Lamb and Potato Festival gets underway
- Music in the street on Saturday
- Grant funds help raise the roof
- Guyra finally makes the switch to NBN
- THE Seed SCHEME to launch in Guyra
- RFS volunteers urged to register interest for assistance
- Crews from across the State head to south-east NSW to help get the power back on
- $7,700 to ensure Guyra Show goes ahead
- Leading sports presenter is Australia Day Ambassador
- Water update information sessions next week in Guyra
- Westpac Helicopter lands in Guyra on New Year's Day
December 2019
- City Santa gives to Bush Kids
- Fire on the home front
- Messages of Hope arrive for farmers
- ‘ Into the Dreaming’ resources for MPS
- Sarah thanks community ahead of tour
- New airport bore supports aerial firefighting
- Christmas arrives in style
- Graduation time for Preschool
- World’s best practice for proposed Guyra abattoir
- Bus service to make detour to Ben Lomond
- Schools Spectacular comes to television
- 30th Bowls Carnival underway
- Swim School underway
- Choir prepares for Carol services
- Naming honour for former civic leader
- Test drilling brings positive signs
- Quicker payments to assist business
November 2019
- Four words that boosted the bush
- Christmas party in the street
- Outstanding feat of survival
- Have your say
- Lions Youth of the Year
- Santa ready to roll out gifts
- Share a coffee and your ideas at a Cafe catch-up
- A gift of water for Guyra
- Australian theme for dance recital
- Have your say
- Santa’s special run this Christmas
- Total Fire Ban declared
- Variety Postie Bike Dash stops at Bald Blair
- Amazing ladies of the CWA get to work
- A hug in the box for the bush
- Kolora residents evacuated to Inverell
- Be prepared to leave
- Council bushfire measures
- Paying tribute on Remembrance Day
- 7000 hectares burnt out in Wandsworth & Llangothlin fires
- Wandsworth fire spreading towards Ben Lomond
- Red ribbon day for Gun Club
- Can Assist Melbourne Cup Lunch
- Costa expansion on hold due to big dry
- Black sheep is back with new owner
- Facelift for GALA Centre
- Tour de Rocks - on the road again
- Talented students to perform at CAPERS
- Old school friends catch up at reunion
- 2019 NSW All School Touch
October 2019
- New card system for water filling stations
- Ready to step into the spotlight
- Students inspired by the gift of service
- Q Fever vaccination program to run again
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Classifieds
- Sharing the Dignity this Christmas
- Year 6 camp a learning experience
- Community Noticeboard
- Bushfire appeal boosted by councillors
- Fun and fashions at Ben Lomond
- Painting brings back fond memories
- Leadership positions at TAS
- Expo a one-stop shop for water saving ideas
- Diabetes experts visit Guyra
- Backwater comes under fire
- Rail trail business case on track
- Smart water strategies key to business resilience
- Charity in action
- OBITUARY Gilbert White 1925 ~2019
- Visit looks at heritage rail proposal
- Drought breaking Show planned for 2020
- Home grown radio program
- Drilling underway in quest for water
- Afternoon of fashion, food and fun at Ben Lomond Hall
- Proposed changes to Armidale radio frequencies
- Water dispensing station at Mother of Ducks now open
- CWA helping out in the drought
- TroutFest a winner in tough times
- Pipeline becomes lifeline
- Test drilling for bores underway
- TroutFest Fishing Clinic
- Wash away the drought blues
- Schools out for Year 12
- Fishy weekend coming up
- Think pink this October
- Stock missing from Guyra property
- Gold medal for Deano’s trout
- Immediate drought assistance available in the New England
- Bradley St expected to reopen on Thursday
September 2019
- Rebates for residential water saving products start October 1st
- Pool opening despite the drought
- 1969 - A victory to remember
- Savannah set to shine at Schools Spectacular
- Ever seen or heard an oddgeridoo?
- Laundry popping up for rural residents
- Open day and sale at Peterson Kelpies
- Roadworks in full swing
- End of an era for favourite store
- Riding for Camp Quality
- Polocrosse digs deep for Sammy
- Membership drive for ratepayers association
- Murray re-elected as Mayor
- Emergency hay for fire affected farmers
- Deer Information Evening to explain changes
- Roadworks underway in Bradley St
- Fire chief signs off for last time
- Catching up over Scones
- Superhero Day at Bald Blair
- One-stop shop rolling in to town next week
- Grandstand gets go ahead
- Start date for CBD upgrade
- Total fire ban declared
- Father's Day breakfast at St Mary's
- LLS here to help
- Centenary Celebrations for Bald Blair in 2020
- NAIDOC Experience
- New store a welcome addition
- Council pursues SRV and harmonisation of rates
- Planting the seeds for bushfire cooperation
August 2019
- Positive results to groundwater study of Guyra area
- Start a ‘Sconversation’ on mental health
- Goodwill breakfast and gifts
- Leadership Induction Ceremony
- Guyra Gift winners
- Every Student, Every Voice
- Restricted access at Kolora due to gastro outbreak
- ‘Wyldlife’ Camp for Guyra Youth
- Inspiring ideas shine
- Malpas pipeline in testing phase
- Athletics talents on show
- September start for main street
- Country Cup Champions
- Drover’s Run raises $250,000 for Rescue Helicopter
- Avalanche of snow chasers
- Community supporting community through Community Partnership Program
- Fires claims life in Guyra
- Well deserved recognition
- Guyra well represented at NSW Farmers Conference
- OPINION: Water a hot topic for ratepayers
- Frockers flock to Ben Lomond
- Guyra Unites for Major Fundraiser
- Crowdfunding campaign launched for rail trail business plan
- The key to unlocking grazing systems management
- Supporting our farmers
- Fight to upgrade Malpas Dam goes to Canberra
- ‘Old Boys Day’ Fundraiser
- Symposium sparks cooperative path
July 2019
- Exploring wellness in our community
- Meet our latest medical recruits
- Bush fire danger period starts
- Byron Bay artist helps out the bush
- Outback adventure just days away
- Rehydrating the soil pays dividends
- Preschool sets example with water savings
- Head on down to BottomPub for a fun night out for juniors
- A & J Vietnamese opening
- Community forums for library strategy
- GET BEHIND Guyra’s COMMUNITY projects
- Troutfest planning underway
- Frock up at Ben Lomond
- Media spotlight on our town
- Talking dry times in the garden
- Oval named in Ted’s honour
- New venture for team Crop
- Sarah leads the way
- Councillors divided on Guyra meetings
- Deputy Premier visits Malpas Dam
- Tingha exits to Inverell
- Dancers shine at Eisteddfods