Ugoa Street Santa returns

The best-kept secret in Narrabri might just be that Santa lives at Ugoa Street, and she’s a girl.

For one night only, since 2017, Santa’s house has been open to the community on December 1, so kids can come and have a free Santa photo, enjoy the lollies, and take in the mega display of bright Christmas lights which can surely be spotted from Outer Space.

By day, Lindsey Duncan is the team leader of disabilities at Summit Community Services, but her love for Christmas can be felt by all, especially when she puts on her full Santa suit.

And this year, even the Grinch couldn’t stay away, creating the Christmas collaboration of the century.

“We started this just to give something back to the community,” said Lindsey.

“I just love it, I love giving back, and for a lot of people, this is the only time their kids will ever get to see Santa.

“I remember we were in a drought when we first started and had a sausage sizzle, lollies, and Christmas carols, so anyone from the community could come and join in.”

And the kids love it for sure, with plenty stopping for the Santa and Grinch lolly drop-offs or coming to play in the yard and Santa selfies against the Christmas backdrop.

The reception from the community seems to be resoundingly positive, with both old and young fans stopping by to check out the display or give encouraging comments, and one lovely lady even hopping out of her car to get a hug from the Grinch.

The original inspiration came from Lindsey’s time living on the Gold Coast where she witnessed the impressive Candy Cane Lane on Forest Oak Drive, and because of Narrabri’s love of Christmas lights, felt the idea would be right at home in the community.

“I’ve always loved Christmas so every year we do our lights which we started when we lived on the Gold Coast and then brought them here, and I thought one day it would be special to do a community event,” said Lindsey.

“In a small country town this is a big event for people, to get out and see Santa and the lights.”

The annual event starts with a Facebook post saying, “Santa’s Back” and the word spreads faster than Christmas cheer after that.

The first year Lindsey recalls her whole yard being full of people, with attendance slowing down during COVID.

But she has continued to garner a lot of support, with plenty of food donations from local businesses over the years.

The original girl Santa was Lindsey’s mum, Jo Burgess who started as Santa on Ugoa Street.

“I’m the mother, so you do what your daughter says,” said Mrs Burgess.

Tilly Varcoe, Kobe Tailby, Harry Eveleigh, Jude Duncan and Chase Varcoe enjoy the display.

“There was no Santa training involved, you’ve just got to have the build for it and a good laugh.

“It’s good for the kids because Christmas is magical, isn’t it?”

The new resident Grinch was played by photographer and beauty therapist, Ash Eveleigh.

The first Grinch-Santa collaboration was born in 2011 when Lindsey started playing Santa for Ash’s photoshoots, and after introducing the Grinch this year, Lindsey knew it was time that the duo made its debut at her December 1 celebrations.

“I don’t know if they love me, I think they thought I was pretty scary,” said Ash.

“They’d call Santa over to the car, then the Grinch, and then when I’d come over, they’d get scared.

“It was fun – my personality was most likely made for this; I did enjoy running after people.”

While Lindsey will continue to put on events every year, she has no such ambitions to expand, though she was flattered to receive callouts on their Facebook post asking if the duo could come and do the same in Wee Waa.

“I’m happy just for this, keeping it simple for the community.”

“Thank you for supporting us.”

“If it was snowing, it would be perfect.”

And now she’s taken off her stifling Santa suit after a successful 30-degree night, and sits in her lawn chair and enjoying the Christmas lights, she’s quite recognisable as Lindsey Duncan again.

But someone soon drives by and yells out the car window, “Hi Santa.”

“Hello,” she instinctively yells back.

Have you spotted a house full to the brim with festive cheer? Nominate the house in The Courier/Lions Club of Narrabri Christmas Lights Competition. See coupon on page 7 of the Tuesday, 5 December, edition of The Courier.