20th Santa Ride Jervis Bay: RFS Fundraiser & Street Party

Dust off your sleigh bells! The beloved annual Santa Ride is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, December 13th, as hundreds of participants cycle through Huskisson to raise vital funds for the local Rural Fire Service (RFS). Join the fun, support our volunteers, and finish with a massive street party at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

Be part of the 20th Santa Ride for the Rural Fire Service and be in the official Santa photo at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

Be one of hundreds of Santas biking through the heart of Huskisson in support of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) as this annual fundraiser celebrates 20 years of riding in red suits for a very good cause. Funds from the annual Santa Ride have helped Huskisson RFS upgrade radios, resuscitation gear and other essentials so their volunteers are ready to respond when the community calls.

What began as a small, local ride has grown into one of Jervis Bay’s most visible – and vital – end-of-year traditions as hundreds of Santas (and elves, reindeer and other suitably attired participants) take to their bikes and ride from White Sands Park all the way round to the Woollamia industrial estate for the 20^th time this Saturday 13 December.

The RFS organisers are hoping for the biggest turnout yet – your “ticket to ride” is a mere $30 and includes a beverage and a sausage sizzle at the finish line, so dust off your Santa suit, stat. A family of 2 adults 2 kids can ride along for $80 while under-18s are $15 each and registrations are open right up till the day of the event. Riders start at 3pm with the goal of reaching Duranbah Street by 4pm for the official Santa photo to commemorate this historic lap.

A street-party to remember will kick off at Jervis Bay Brewing Co, spilling out onto the closed road, the live band with infectious beats and feel-good vibes, All the Fuss plays till 7pm when a nineties/naughties Santa Rave guarantees to have all the hands in the air till late.

Riders come in all shapes and sizes, including tandems, trikes, prams and tiny trailers towing babies and pets also dressed in tinsel, bells and tiny, imaginative costumes. It is joyful, lively and full of festive fun, with every participant there for the same goal: to enjoy themselves while giving back.

This celebration of community means locals rallying around one another and, most importantly, supporting the Huskisson Rural Fire Brigade. Colourful, a little cheeky, and completely heart-warming, the event embodies everything that makes summer in Jervis Bay so special.

Thanks to a long list of major sponsors, this year’s ride promises to be one of the biggest yet. Jervis Bay Brewing Co has stepped in as the host, alongside Shoalhaven Party Hire, Elite Energy, Accelerated Training, Fisiocrem, Austbanners, Revvies Energy Strips, Peoplecare health insurance, Austbrokers, Site Specific Traffic Management, All Round Security and Kennards Hire.

Together, these sponsors are helping make this 20th anniversary possible by supporting the logistics, the fundraising and the safe running of an event that has become such a big part of our local calendar.

Paul Walker, co-founder and director of Jervis Bay Brewing Co, explains, “Supporting the fire brigade community is simply part of who we are, every dollar raised goes directly to the Huskisson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, the people who show up when it matters most. We have always loved backing the Santa Ride and its spirit. Being a sponsor for this milestone year and welcoming our sea of Santas is a privilege for our brewery team.”

The Santa Ride welcomes families and all kinds of bikes, trikes and trailers. — The Santa Ride welcomes families and all kinds of bikes, trikes and trailers, so dust off your Santa suits!

Why This Ride Truly Matters

Huskisson RFS Captain, Sanna Reeves, has devoted more than 20 years to volunteering. She leads a team of over 20 individuals who train rigorously and respond to everything from bush, grass and house fires to car accidents and medical emergencies.

“Our work stretches far beyond fires,” Sanna says. “Some incidents are complex and serious, and it is incredibly rewarding to help people on what could be their worst day.” While the brigade trains to national standards and uses modern equipment, the support from the Charity Santa Ride provides an important boost. Funds raised have helped upgrade radios, resuscitation gear and station facilities, ensuring the volunteers can respond effectively when the community calls.

Sanna shares, since its inception, “the Charity Santa Bike Ride has raised more than $90,000 for the Huskisson Rural Fire Brigade, directly contributing to upgrades that strengthen our response capability and keep the community safe”.

Community Celebration

With the 20th ride now little more than a week away, the community’s support has never been more important. So don’t dash off when the ride ends, stay and enjoy the music, support the raffles, catch up with friends, and keep the festive spirit alive. Let’s fill the streets with red suits, make a little history together, and, most importantly, support the volunteers who are always there when we need them most.

Riders will make their way to the Jervis Bay Brewing precinct for afternoon and evening celebrations, including live music, kids’ face painting, raffles, a special 20-year Santa Ride lager release, and a complimentary drink for every rider. From 7pm, the festivities continue with the Santa Rave, bringing dancefloor energy into the evening.