Santa Paws
Santa Paws at Dan Mahoney Reserve has become a beloved annual tradition for Parramatta’s furry residents and their humans. From festive photos with Santa to generous fundraising for local dog rescues, each year brings joy, wagging tails, and community spirit.
This event began with an idea. With great enthusiasm and hard work, volunteers who are regular visitors to Dan Mahoney Reserve, have made Santa Paws a feature of the festive season where the whole community, including our fur friends, can enjoy themselves and celebrate together.
2024
Santa took time out from his very busy schedule in the North Pole to visit North Parramatta. Wearing his summer clothes, Santa’s third visit to Dan Mahoney Reserve was a huge success with dogs big and small.
More than 150 dogs had their photo taken with Santa with many enthusiastically trying to join in on their friends’ photographs (hello Blue). Dogs played happily in the reserve, socialising with their puppy pals and enjoying their new toys.
Pawrents were pleased to receive presents too, with raffle prizes donated by Pet O Northmead, Groom to Grow, Fit 'N' Flash, and City of Parramatta.
While everyone took delight in a dog’s day out, the serious fundraising business was also a success with a total of $1,873 raised for Jade’s Rescue.
Thank you to Santa Paws volunteers and everyone who came along to provide City of Parramatta’s four-legged family members some festive fun. Thanks also to those who made generous donations.
2023
Santa Paws brings Christmas to Dan Mahoney
Dan Mahoney Reserve was the doggo destination of choice on Sunday 10 December with around 150 dogs and their pawrents gathering to meet Santa. With many dogs dressed in their festive finest to have their photo taken, the second annual Santa Paws event raised more than $1,500 for Maggies Rescue.
Helping Santa give out toys and treats to doggos who had been nice this year, were Councillor and Parramatta MP Donna Davis, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Patricia Prociv and Councillor Kellie Darley.
Organised by local community group Santa Paws @ Dan Mahoney, the furry festive has become an annual celebration where residents and their fur friends make a small donation to sit with Santa and have their photograph taken. All funds raised from the 2023 event went to Maggie's Rescue.
2022
Bark! It’s a furry Christmas
On Sunday, 4 December, Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis joined Santa and more than 100 dogs and their human companions at Dan Mahoney Reserve, North Parramatta, for a furry festive celebration organised by local community group Santa Paws @ Dan Mahoney. Not only did our canine community and their pawrents have a lot of fun, more than $1,500 – including a donation from City of Parramatta – was raised for Monika’s Doggie Rescue.