For over 40 years, the iconic Santas have been a much-loved part of Christmas across Wynnum and Manly. Coordinated by the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly for the past 28 years, the Santa Project continues thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, who work behind the scenes to refurbish, install and maintain the Santas each year. In 2025, a small number of Santas were refreshed and installed by our volunteer teams, helping to keep this cherished Bayside tradition alive.
The Wynnum and Manly Santa Project returned again in 2025, continuing a much-loved Bayside Christmas tradition that has brought smiles to locals for more than 40 years.
The iconic Santa figures displayed outside local shops and businesses have become a familiar and much-anticipated sight each December. While the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly has proudly coordinated the project for the past 28 years, the heart of the project has always been the dedicated volunteers who make it happen year after year.
In 2025, only a small number of Santas required refurbishment, but this did not diminish the effort involved. Behind the scenes, Rotary members and volunteers worked together to repair, prepare and, most importantly, install the Santas across the Bayside. Installation days rely heavily on hands-on support, teamwork and good humour, with volunteers giving their time to ensure each Santa is safely positioned and ready to spread Christmas cheer throughout the community.
The significance of the project was also recognised more broadly this year, with Past President Mick Matthews interviewed by ABC Local Radio about the history and community impact of the Santa Project. The interview highlighted not only the longevity of the initiative, but also the strong sense of local pride and volunteer spirit that underpins it.
The Santa Project is a wonderful example of Rotary service in action, combining community connection, volunteer effort and festive spirit. We thank Ball volunteers, past and present, who have contributed to keeping this Bayside tradition alive.
