The day Santa helicoptered in to a staff Christmas party.
by Gareth E on 09/03/2023
Photo by George Eastwood.
In 1959 Santa Claus made a grand entrance to a staff Christmas party in Melbourne. Instead of a sleigh and reindeer, he hitched a ride in a chopper. How did that come about?
Staff Christmas parties in the era were a lot more than just a nosh-up at the local bar. This was a Sunday event at the factory of Armstrong Shock Absorbers. Now a long-gone manufacturer, they were located in Sunshine, Victoria.
The entire staff attended with their families, dressed in their best clothes for a big day out. Father Christmas arrived with a huge bag of gifts for the children. The kids lined up and when their name was called they stepped up to receive their present. It was a special day of exciting family fun not often seen nowadays.
Santa's mode of transport was apparently Australia's first commercial helicopter. It was purchased by trailblazing Reg Ansett and possibly used as his personal air taxi. The explanation given for this event is that a business pal of his was a senior manager with Armstrong. The surprise arrival of the jolly fat man was arranged for publicity purposes as Mr Ansett was trying to expand helicopter services. I recall it arriving, with people being hurriedly ushered out of the landing spot. Santa alighted, then the chopper departed. I don't recall it returning, so I assume he drove home.
Photo by George Eastwood.
This was a different era in workplace culture. Power distances between executives and workers were still very high. Managers were addressed and referred to as Mr Such-And-Such, but also called Mr so-and-so behind their backs. The annual Christmas party was the one day of the year when staidness was relaxed and people didn't have to 'look sharp', minding their 'p's and 'q's at their place of employment.
Photo by George Eastwood.
These pictures capture some of the atmosphere of an era when manufacturing in Australia was expanding. The staff were largely migrants, many of whom spoke little English. In that period it didn't matter much. People were classified mostly according to how well they pulled their weight on the job.
Photo by George Eastwood.
Sadly, just a few months later this helicopter crashed after striking powerlines at Melton Weir, killing those on board. Dropping off Santa may have been its finest moment.