Staff at Gunnedah PCYC have had a busy Christmas period - raising funds for the club and collecting donations for bushfire victims.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The club held Santa's Great Race in mid-December, which saw about 80 locals ranging from their early 20s to people in their 60s take part in different challenges around Gunnedah.
Club manager Michelle Gosper said it was "so much fun".
"We had really good feedback from all the participants, and just lots of laughter," Mrs Gosper said.
"With the smoke and the drought, people have been not feeling very festive, [but] it was great to see just the team spirit and everyone having fun and not taking themselves too seriously."
Read also:
The "special missions" between pubs included challenges such as getting a photo kissing a bald man's head or with a frozen turkey. The games at the pubs included Pictionary and karaoke sing-offs.
"It was all about having a good time and working with your team," Mrs Gosper said.
Registrations and donations meant the event paid for itself.
"It was well worth it; I think we'll probably make it an annual event."
Both Gunnedah and Tamworth PCYC also collected donations for bushfire victims in Taree, so they could give Christmas presents to loved ones.
It's amazing how even in the drought people can still find it in their hearts to donate money and goods.
- Gunnedah PCYC club manager Michelle Gosper
Mrs Gosper said the club's hall was one-quarter full with Gunnedah donations alone, including new toys and clothes.
"It felt really good, particularly when we were with family on Christmas and were watching it unfold down south," she said.
"It's amazing how even in the drought people can still find it in their hearts to donate money and goods."
Sandy from Tamworth police drove a trailer load of donations to Taree to drop at their local PCYC to distribute to families in need.
"It was amazingly overwhelming," Mrs Gosper said.