Chirnside Park Santa 2020: Father Christmas resigns amid lunch break row

One of Melbourne’s most-loved shopping centre Santas has quit over a cut to his working hours — and because people are being booked in to see him while he eats his lunch.

Santa has a little extra time to sew some new outfits after quitting his job. Picture: Mark Stewart

One of Melbourne’s most popular Santas is ho-ho-hopping mad over a festive furore about taking his lunch break and having his hours cut.

Chirnside Park Shopping Centre’s Santa said the system for parents to book in their kids to meet the big man in red did not allow for a lunchtime spell for Santa.

“Santa’s gotta take a lunch break,’’ he said.

But he was concerned the photographic elves would then cop abuse as not-so-merry parents and kids lined up outside an empty grotto.

“The booking system just wouldn’t allow for it (a lunch break).’’

The solo Santa has been a popular attraction at the shopping centre for eight years and his absence led to an outpouring of support from the community with more than 1500 signatures on the Bring the Real Santa Back to Chirnside petition.

But this Santa is taking his sleigh to another location – at Branded Burgers in Seville – from December 1.

Santa had wanted to work six days at Chirnside, but it’s understood his employer, event company Scene to Believe, considered the lengthy hours an OH&S issue.

“I knew they wanted me to cut my hours,” he said.

“This year I suggested I have one day off a week and work six days, which was agreed to but then they started eating into my six days (as well).”

He said management cut Thursday and Friday morning shifts as well as Santa pet photos.

Santa said he told Scene to Believe if he didn’t get six full days he would quit but the company got Grinchy.

“Working part days makes it really hard for people to see me, especially when they have to book in,” he said.

For Santa, it’s about the community connection.

“Quite often I will get two or three youngsters tell me they love me, even the mothers,” he said.

“That is very special and brings tears to my eyes.”

He said he had developed lots of great friendships including with many coming back each year to see him.

“I love the job and am sad I’m not able to be there this year,” he said.

“I have sold over a million dollars worth of photos at Chirnside, more than any other Santa in Australia (and) we often outsell other much bigger centres.

“I’ve had a wonderful time at Chirnside and some great memories.”

GPT, which manages the centre said all suppliers were expected to adhere to the Fair Work and General Retail Industry Award.

A spokesman said the company supported the decisions made to ensure those standards were met.

Scene to Believe has been contacted for comment.

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