Country Santa spreads the cheer

As Dave Rugendyke - with a red suit, hat and long white beard – wandered the town on Saturday morning, he greeted everyone who walked past, wishing them a Merry Christmas.

Those driving by in cars waved, while on the street pedestrians called out “good morning Santa” as they went about their day. 

With his red chair set up outside the town’s chemist, children would approach – sometimes shy, sometimes excited – and be allowed to take a treat from a big bag of lollies, as well as sit down for a photo. 

Mr Rugendyke, who has lived in Cobargo for the last nine years, has been suiting up as the jolly gift-bringer for over two decades.  

But when asked, he could not explain why he enjoys it. 

“It’s just good fun,” he said.

“I like to put a few smiles on a few faces. 

“There is a lot of talented people around town - artists, sculptors.

“I haven’t got a talent like that, but if I do have one, I reckon it’s being Santa!”

When he was young, he never expected he would grow up to play Santa, “but it’s just how it turned out”.

He said the idea started years ago when he was in the police force. He would go to playgroups or preschools in police cars dressed up as Santa and it followed on from there. 

In fact, Mr Rugendyke loves donning the red cap so much he grows his beard long every year so he can fit the role. 

So far this season, he has brought cheer to Cobargo, Bermagui and Quaama, but said if anyone wanted a Santa he would do it.  

Earlier this month, he also played Santa at Light Up Cobargo. It had been a fantastic night, he said, and it had been “chock-a-block up and down the street for a good three hours”. 

He aimed to dress up again for the Christmas Eve party in the Cobargo park, an annual family event he said had been running for about 67 years. 

Mr Rugendyke said he retired from Canberra about nine years ago and has loved the area ever since.