Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Who Stole Santa?

A creation that was full of good sentiment and festive cheer has been vandalised just one week after it was placed outside a property on the Bruce Highway, 24 kilometres north of Proserpine.

A group of residents had spent weeks planning and crafting the Christmas display which includes a Christmas tree out of recycled timber and recycled decorations.

Much of the display is hand-painted, home-made and created with love.

Once complete, Santa took pride of place, sitting on a reclaimed chair at the centre of the display and bringing Christmas joy to hundreds of motorists who would pass by each day.

Unfortunately, just one week and a day after it was finished, the heart of the display was destroyed when vandals ripped poor Santa off at his torso and stole him.

One of the display’s creators, Zano Thorpe, said that she is disappointed that their festive cheer was destroyed by such a Grinch.

“We wanted to do something to make people smile, to make people happy as they travel up and down the road,” she said.

“It was just a simple gesture to make people smile, but now it is gone without a trace.”

Imploring the culprits to come forward, Zano said that if they bring Santa back, they will not be in any trouble.

“Leave him on the ground next to the chair with a note of apology – we don’t need to know your name – Christmas is still a while away – it’s never too late to bring Santa back.”

The Christmas display in its full glory before Santa got stolen

The display after it was destroyed by vandals

Santa has lost his head over this!

Photos supplied

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