An outback Queensland town has run short of Santa suits thanks to a creative festive decorating contest.
Residents of the town of Isisford, 120km south of Longreach, snapped up the suits bought for the festive competition, sparking an urgent search for more.
Longreach Regional Council worker and resident Christine Bignal organised the contest, with help from her husband Dale.
"We thought we'd like to bring a little bit more festive cheer into the town," she said.
The contest proved so popular, the town ran out of Santa suits.
"We got 15 and thought that would be ample, we'll probably have some left for next year," she said
"It just went gangbusters and we had to very quickly order another 20," Chris Bignal said.
Santas, Santas everywhere
There are 28 Santa displays in and around the town of only 60 people.
They include Santa shearing, driving tractors, fishing and even sitting at the bar enjoying a beverage.
"My husband does the recycling in town, so he has his Santa in a recycling bin," Ms Bignal said.
That recycling has raised around $10,000 to help lift spirits in a town that has seen almost a decade of drought.
Ms Bignal said it has gone towards a light display in the main street.
"There are so many Christmas lights," she said.
"It's just absolutely wonderful really that everybody's getting on board. The town looks amazing."
It is hoped the colourful competition will draw tourists, a vital lifeline for the town's economy.
"Without them Isisford would be struggling really badly," Ms Bignall said.
"It's been putting Isisford back on the map."
The winning Santa display has been chosen, but Ms Bignall is sworn to secrecy until an official announcement on Christmas eve.
