From union-organised picnics to Santa runs and festive parades, Christmas in Moranbah has created cherished memories for generations of families.

In its early beginnings in the mid-70s and 80s, Moranbah transformed during the festive season. “Chappy the Copper,” a larger-than-life community figure, was often at the centre of it all riding in a sleigh or leading the Christmas parade at the racecourse, Chappy embodied the spirit of Moranbah.

The Peak Downs and Goonyella Christmas Picnics, hosted by Utah Development Co., were iconic and Lynnie Busk remembers them fondly.

“Moranbah was a very young town when we first came here and so Christmas was about families, friends, neighbours.

“The Christmas Picnics were held every year until around the mid-80s and I doubt that anyone ever missed driving to the Peak Downs ‘dam’ sports oval where the event was held.

“In true style for a hot day, large amounts of ale and soft drink was guzzled, and a massive banquet of seafood, ham, salads and delicacies was consumed in copious amounts. Every family was given a big frozen Christmas turkey, and every child received an age-appropriate present from the company with their name on it.

“It was the best community event we ever had, so simple but appreciated.”

For many, Christmas Eve in Moranbah was defined by the thrill of the Santa Run, a tradition that continues today. Lavinnia Jones described the excitement of waiting for Santa’s sirens in the 80s.

“We’d be outside with our cousins, hearing the distant sirens and yelling, ‘He’s in the street!’ only to realise he was still a few streets over. When he finally came everyone gathered, very hot but full of smiles and happiness, shouting ‘Merry Christmas’. Looking down the street after Santa passed, you’d see other families doing the same. It was so special.”

Mark Hollands shared a hilarious memory of a chaotic Christmas Eve.

“My brother Pat and I decided to put together a swing set and trampoline for the kids after a few beers. By morning, it looked like it had been built by a mob of chimps! My wife wouldn’t let the kids near it until we found the missing bolts and fixed it. But that’s Christmas, always full of laughter and fun, even when things didn’t go to plan.”

The festive spirit extended to family get-togethers.

Lavinnia recalled that “Christmas meant fluorescent shirts, bright decorations and everyone in their good shorts, which was rare to see! The women would sip wine and talk about what dishes they were making, while the men talked about cars or planes. For us kids, it was running around in our best Christmas outfits, sipping Coke and playing spotlight!”

Moranbah’s Santa Run remains a beloved tradition today, with Santa trading his sleigh for fire trucks and police cars. Thanks to the dedication of Moranbah’s emergency services and volunteers, Santa spreads cheer to over a thousand kids across the town and families still gather outside their homes, just as they did decades ago.