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.
April 2021
- Guyra tree tops the list
- Workshops to help cope with climate risks
- Men’s Shed on the move
- Bald Blair Public School is 100
- Free live music events for Youth Week
- The free health check every man needs
- Save & Grow Guyra forging ahead
- Drachenfels takes 2021 Guyra Cup
- Tour de Cure passes through town
- Council fined for unlawfully taking water
- Can Assist Fundraiser
- Soonchild in the saddle for Sadie’s wild ride
- One year on for Poetry Hall of Fame
- Search on for local artist to create mural
- Need a room? The Hub can help
March 2021
- Council to donate hay to flood affected regions
- CWA State President visits
- New owners for local gym
- $10,000 grant to plant Memorial Avenue
- RFS celebrate new tankers and long serving members
- Sydney Writers’ Festival to be streamed at Guyra Library
- Dams full across the Armidale region
- Ben Lomond Hall impacted by flash flooding
- New UNE Study Hub officially open
- CWA members gather in Guyra
- Funding for new equipment at Preschool
- Dine and Discover now being served up
- Donate responsibly to flood-affected communities
- Now is the time to act on separation
- Funds go to Helicopter
- Fresh coat of paint for Railway Station
- ‘Stock Dog Challenge’ coming to Guyra
- Local Government elections to be held this September
- Costa Scholarship sets local student up for success
- Guyra student speaking on behalf of rural youth
- Lions Youth of the Year
- $1.037 million for local road upgrades
- $781,668 for new Showground amenities
- Telehealth counselling now available
- Get ready for your vaccination
- New phone policy has positive effects
- Camping out at Black Mountain Railway Station
- Budget review yields positive step for Council
- Council adopts new Drought Management Plan
- Now is the time to act on Malpas Dam Wall
- Meet this year’s Guyra Central School Leaders
- Amos Vale goes back to back
- Opportunities grow for Sara
- $1.3 million NE Highway upgrade begins
- UPDATED: Storm hits hard
February 2021
- Cattle stewards’ contribution recognised
- A spectacular 2021 Show
- Life Membership for Dorothy Lockyer
- 2021 Lamb Show and Sale
- Speculation around local council elections in September
- Show time this weekend
- Champions in the pool
- New manager at The Hub
- Chamber Chatter
- Small Schools Swimming Carnival
- Major take-up milestone for seniors travel card
- Northern Tablelands land values rise
- Kevin Dupé to retire
- St Mary’s is a special place to be
- Preschool needs more funds
- CBD mural decision deferred
- Nominate now for Queen’s Birthday COVID-19 recognition
- Businesses urged to register for dine & discover stimulus
- New paws on the beat
January 2021
- Guyra's top citizens recognised on Australia Day
- $63,000 ramps up access to Community Hall
- Local students enjoy taste of science
- CWA Art Show
- Spotlight on NEW Business Highland Speech Pathology
- Health Service Fun Day a smashing success
- Long service medal and citations for RFS members
- Spuds going global
- $3.8 million needed to remediate old Guyra Landfill
- Have a fun family day out
- Four nominations for Citizen of the Year
December 2020
- COVID grant delivers $985,000 for Guyra
- Rotary Christmas Raffle
- What’s happening in January 2021?
- Plans in place for COVID safe Show
- Champion volunteers honoured
- Protesters fight for change
- New Mayor and Deputy elected
- Enrolments on the rise for 2021
- Achievements celebrated
- Farewell and welcome
- Shearer training opportunity
- Bore water supply review finds Council complied with obligations
- 19 year old dies in highway accident
- Ribbon cutting for redeveloped Hub
- Schools take part in water safety programs
- Ratepayer activists demand fairness and transparency
- Submissions still open on the proposed SRV
- $20,000 for new smart boards
- 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
- Guyra Show will go on
- CBD powerlines set to get overhauled
- New General Manager to start in January
- Postie Bike Dash invades town
- Join the New England Gift Card promotion
- $150,000 for Tingha Gems
- Crews respond to unplanned power outage
- Spotlight - JoJo’s Coffee Shop
- 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
- Spotlight - Black Sheep Wool’’n’Wares
- Council seeks views on Special Rate Variation
- Walkers raise $2739 during October
- Smart water meters proposed for households
October 2020
- Saleyard upgrades get go ahead
- Discovering science in a fun way
- Q Fever vaccination clinics return
- Will you help share the dignity?
- Essential work on local powerlines this weekend
- Garden Club introduces weekend meetings
- Explosion of colour brightens bare wall
- Awareness day powered by pink
- Push for upgrade of Guyra saleyards
- 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
- Dancing through the pandemic
- Quest for Polar Bears get back in the pool
- Revised CBD speed limit for Bradley Street
- Second term as President of NSW Farmers
- Planning begins for Spring Flower Festival
- 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
- Chamber Chatter
September 2020
- Spotlight on business - Burgess Garage Car Museum
- Planning milestone for proposed wind farm
- Learning centre plans go on public display
- Majority still want rural council
- Stepping up to the challenge
- Inquiry into dysfunction
- Spotlight on business - Sarah Wren
- Trampolines added to new playground
- Brow salon now open in Guyra
- Medallions for our WWII veterans
- Health message with coffee
- Mural brings walls to life
- 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
- Film Society launched
- Bridgewater tops at $10,000
- Local support drives Glenavon sale
- Bald Blair breaks records at annual sale
- Past connections prove a winner
- Operation Stock Check to combat livestock theft
- 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
- Is our Lagoon at risk?
- Water sustainability number one for Costa Group
- $66,270 grant secured for Showground
- Sam White to head Angus Australia
- Council suspended and administrator appointed
- Markets and more happening
- Funding boost for hydrotherapy pool complex
- Councillor Gray calls its quits
- ‘In this together’ planting trees at Little Llangothlin
- ‘Why you need Indoor plants in your life’
- OAM for Aileen MacDonald
- House damaged by fire in South Guyra
- Guyra Police investigating thefts
- 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
- Community webinars on groundwater network
- Waste turned into art
- Rail trail decision unchanged
- Mayor welcomes additional assistance
- Diners welcomed back in store as restrictions ease
- Minister intervenes in council dispute
- $400,000 expansion of ‘The Hub’ poised to start
- 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
- Learning to learn online
- Lamb & Potato Festival scores $130,000 for new space
- Growing tomatoes is an essential service
- 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
- Guyra couple celebrate Platinum Anniversary
- Supermarket workers at the front line
- Historical Society needs your help.
March 2020
- Council elections pushed back by 12 months
- Important Update from your local newspaper
- 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
- Dams full but water restrictions will remain until drought breaks
- 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
- Sue Adams named Guyra’s Citizen of the Year
- Train passes the test
- Who will be our Citizen of the Year?
- Australia All Over in Guyra for Australia Day broadcast
- Totems unveiled at Kolora
- Art Exhibition branches out
- Guyra Dam at 31 percent capacity following recent rain
- 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
- ‘ Into the Dreaming’ resources for MPS
- Messages of Hope arrive for farmers
- Fire on the home front
- City Santa gives to Bush Kids
- New airport bore supports aerial firefighting
- Sarah thanks community ahead of tour
- Bus service to make detour to Ben Lomond
- World’s best practice for proposed Guyra abattoir
- Graduation time for Preschool
- Christmas arrives in style
- 30th Bowls Carnival underway
- Naming honour for former civic leader
- Choir prepares for Carol services
- Swim School underway
- Schools Spectacular comes to television
- Quicker payments to assist business
- Test drilling brings positive signs
November 2019
- Four words that boosted the bush
- Outstanding feat of survival
- Lions Youth of the Year
- Have your say
- Christmas party in the street
- 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
- A hug in the box for the bush
- Amazing ladies of the CWA get to work
- Variety Postie Bike Dash stops at Bald Blair
- Council bushfire measures
- Be prepared to leave
- Kolora residents evacuated to Inverell
- 7000 hectares burnt out in Wandsworth & Llangothlin fires
- Paying tribute on Remembrance Day
- Wandsworth fire spreading towards Ben Lomond
- Red ribbon day for Gun Club
- 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
- Can Assist Melbourne Cup Lunch
- Old school friends catch up at reunion
- 2019 NSW All School Touch
October 2019
- New card system for water filling stations
- Q Fever vaccination program to run again
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Ready to step into the spotlight
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Students inspired by the gift of service
- Community Noticeboard
- Sharing the Dignity this Christmas
- Year 6 camp a learning experience
- Classifieds
- Expo a one-stop shop for water saving ideas
- Diabetes experts visit Guyra
- Leadership positions at TAS
- Bushfire appeal boosted by councillors
- Painting brings back fond memories
- Fun and fashions at Ben Lomond
- Backwater comes under fire
- Smart water strategies key to business resilience
- Rail trail business case on track
- Drilling underway in quest for water
- Home grown radio program
- Drought breaking Show planned for 2020
- Visit looks at heritage rail proposal
- OBITUARY Gilbert White 1925 ~2019
- Charity in action
- 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
- TroutFest a winner in tough times
- CWA helping out in the drought
- 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
- Gold medal for Deano’s trout
- Think pink this October
- Stock missing from Guyra property
- Bradley St expected to reopen on Thursday
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September 2019
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- Pool opening despite the drought
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- Savannah set to shine at Schools Spectacular
- Laundry popping up for rural residents
- 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
- Open day and sale at Peterson Kelpies
- Murray re-elected as Mayor
- Emergency hay for fire affected farmers
- Deer Information Evening to explain changes
- Roadworks underway in Bradley St
- Catching up over Scones
- Superhero Day at Bald Blair
- One-stop shop rolling in to town next week
- Fire chief signs off for last time
- Start date for CBD upgrade
- Grandstand gets go ahead
- Total fire ban declared
- LLS here to help
- NAIDOC Experience
- Centenary Celebrations for Bald Blair in 2020
- New store a welcome addition
- Father's Day breakfast at St Mary's
- Council pursues SRV and harmonisation of rates
- Planting the seeds for bushfire cooperation
August 2019
- Goodwill breakfast and gifts
- Positive results to groundwater study of Guyra area
- Start a ‘Sconversation’ on mental health
- Leadership Induction Ceremony
- Every Student, Every Voice
- Guyra Gift winners
- 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
- Crowdfunding campaign launched for rail trail business plan
- Guyra Unites for Major Fundraiser
- Frockers flock to Ben Lomond
- Supporting our farmers
- The key to unlocking grazing systems management
- Fight to upgrade Malpas Dam goes to Canberra
- ‘Old Boys Day’ Fundraiser
- Symposium sparks cooperative path
July 2019
- Meet our latest medical recruits
- Exploring wellness in our community
- 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
- A & J Vietnamese opening
- Head on down to BottomPub for a fun night out for juniors
- Community forums for library strategy
- Frock up at Ben Lomond
- Troutfest planning underway
- GET BEHIND Guyra’s COMMUNITY projects
- Media spotlight on our town
- Talking dry times in the garden
- Oval named in Ted’s honour
- Sarah leads the way
- New venture for team Crop
- Tingha exits to Inverell
- Deputy Premier visits Malpas Dam
- Councillors divided on Guyra meetings
- Dancers shine at Eisteddfods