Santa Clause is coming to… Sea Winds!

Sharing the Christmas cheer for the past twenty years, Sea Winds resident Brian Priestley’s calendar is completely booked out every December as one of Australia’s most sought after Santa Clauses.

“This will be my twentieth year as Santa Clause! It really is priceless to see the children’s faces light up as they speak to Santa. It’s not easy working 28 days straight but it is definitely worth it,” said Brian.

Jingling all the way across Australia, Brian has performed as Santa in Queensland, Victoria, NSW, and all the way over in Western Australia. “I started my journey as Santa in 2002 and have been lucky to work across many city centres, shopping centres, casinos, and private functions,” said Brian.

Brian has had many wonderful careers from being the Head of the Engineering Department at a school in Borneo, owning a fish and chips shop for seven years in Townsville, and working as a chef in the military. By far the most rewarding has been performing as Santa every December for the past twenty years.

Pictured: Sea Winds resident, Brian Priestley as Santa Clause at the Salamander Bay Shopping Centre

“When my wife Julie and I retired we purchased a caravan and enjoyed our time travelling around Australia. When we arrived at Shoal Bay in Port Stephens, we knew we didn’t need to go any further, it was beautiful,” said Brian. After moving to Shoal Bay in 2016, Brian started his reign of performing as Santa at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre. “It can get quite hot in the Santa suit but luckily the shopping centre is well air conditioned, and they provide me with a good fan!” said Brian.

In 2018, Brian and Julie moved to the Sea Winds Community in Port Stephens on the coast of NSW. “We thought it would be a good place to live and it is – we have no regrets. The community is excellent, and we enjoy attending social events when we can,” said Brian.

“To this day I am still Santa Clause at the Salamander Bay Shopping Centre in Port Stephens and absolutely love bringing joy to families,” concluded Brian.

Life at the Sea Winds Community

The Sea Winds Community is carefree coastal living at its finest. Located on the picturesque Tomaree Peninsula in Port Stephens, residents enjoy the natural wonders surrounding the community.

Staying active is easy with the community boasting an array of amenities including three pools and a tennis court. There are plenty of places to meet likeminded people and stay social with outdoor BBQ areas and the clubhouse hosting plenty of activities to become involved in.

Start your day with a coffee on your deck, followed by a dip in the pool and then head off to the Tomaree National Park with a picnic!

To learn more visit the Sea Winds Community on our website.