Western Australia is facing a festive season emergency with a severe shortage of Santa Claus performers, prompting a desperate recruitment drive just weeks before Christmas.
SOS for Santas: The Last-Minute Scramble
The talent agency responsible for supplying most of Perth's shopping centre Santas, Scene to Believe, has been forced to send out an urgent call for help. With less than three weeks until Christmas Day, the agency is critically short-staffed. Viviana Diaz, the agency's Santa character manager, revealed they started the season with a full roster of 60 Santas for WA but are now at least 10 performers short.
The shortage has been exacerbated by last-minute health issues, with several regular Santas pulling out due to surgeries like hip and knee replacements. Simultaneously, demand for Santa appearances at shopping centres, events, and even pet photo sessions across Perth has skyrocketed.
Teachers and Coaches Targeted for Urgent Relief
In an unprecedented move, the agency is actively targeting teachers and sports coaches to fill the festive void. The key reason is their likely possession of a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC), which can take up to four weeks to process for new applicants.
"We cannot wait for that," Ms Diaz stated emphatically. "So we're trying to target teachers, coaches, people that do have a working with children check. And also, knowing they've almost finished [the school year], they can have the availability for the last weeks of December."
The recruitment push is leveraging school newsletters, community centre notices, and local Facebook pages to reach eligible candidates. The agency is also reaching out to retired Santas, hoping to coax them back into the iconic red suit.
The Magic and Heat of the Red Suit
For those who take on the role, the experience is described as uniquely joyful, albeit challenging. Roger Truslove, 71, is in his first season as a Santa at Karrinyup Shopping Centre and has already been asked to pick up extra shifts to cover the shortfall.
He speaks of the profound reward in seeing children's faces light up and the importance of maintaining the Christmas magic. "I was actually almost brought to tears today," he shared, recounting a visit from a delighted family. "Maintaining the magic of Christmas for kids as long as possible is very satisfying."
However, he and veteran Santa Brian Horton, 83, acknowledge the realities of the job. The suit can be hot and uncomfortable, but the emotional payoff is immense. Mr Horton, who trains new Santas, urges more people to consider the role. "People have to want to do it," he said. "It just seems that people don't think about being a Santa without being asked."
As shopping centres extend their trading hours and the final countdown to Christmas begins, the race is on to ensure every child in Perth gets their chance to meet Saint Nick. The success of this urgent festive mission now hinges on the response from the state's educators and community coaches.
