A beloved Christmas tradition at a New South Wales fire station has been altered after authorities deemed throwing lollies from a fire truck too risky. Fire & Rescue NSW Raymond Terrace, in the Hunter Region, announced that its annual 'Santa Lolly Run' would not proceed as usual this year, sparking outrage among locals.
The station posted on social media that for the past 60 years, retained firefighters had driven Santa around the community, tossing lollies to children. However, they were told that throwing lollies from trucks could put people at risk and may break the law. The station said the decision came from senior management at Fire & Rescue NSW, not from the local team.
In response to the change, many community members expressed disappointment, with some calling the world 'gone soft' and lamenting the loss of a family tradition. Others appreciated the firefighters' efforts to adapt, with the station announcing that Santa and the fire truck would now visit 12 fixed locations, including parks, for 20-minute stops on Saturday from 8am to 2.50pm.
A Fire & Rescue NSW spokesperson confirmed that firefighters have been asked not to throw lollies from trucks since 2023 to prevent children running toward moving vehicles, reduce injury risk, and meet food safety and legal requirements. The spokesperson assured the community that the lolly run would continue to hold its pride of place this Christmas.
