John McLoughlin and his wife Doreen have turned their front yard into a Christmas wonderland for almost 40 years. Photos: Tom Vergotis/Content Crew.
If the neon red ‘Santa Stop Here’ light doesn’t catch Old Nick’s attention, then surely the massive koala or the snowmen will.
They are just a few of the illuminated attractions making up the annual creation by John McLoughlin (also known as Postman John).
Each year, the Jindabyne resident and former postie plans, designs and assembles a major Christmas lights demonstration on his block.
He starts collecting new lights for his collection as early as April, and begins his set-up on 15 September.
“I start on the roof and work my way down. I’ve got two-and-a-half storeys to work with, so I’ve got plenty to do.
“There’s no pre-planning … it comes out of my head, as I go. I feel as comfortable up on the roof as I do on the ground!”
While some lights have found their perfect places, most are moved around each year to make each display different.
He was inspired by a request from his wife Doreen to start the display, a few months after they’d built a new extension on their home.
“We would have been in Cooma for a bit of a shop. We were coming back, and Doreen said to me that she would love to see the deck decorated,” he said.
“I said, ‘Right’, and I turned the car around and [drove] straight back to Cooma, and bought what I knew would go on the deck.
“From there, it started. Every year, it’s just grown and grown to what it is today.”
And 36 years later, the McLoughlins’ light show has become a much-loved part of life in the Snowies.
“I have a couple of families that have been coming for three generations … I had my great-grandchild down in the lights this year, at nine weeks of age, and it was fantastic.”
He said each year attracted more people from around the Snowies, seeking some Christmas cheer and to help those in need.
“It’s a massive community event. … The lights serve a great purpose in that they keep the community communicating … It’s a great joy.
“Some nights I would have more people here from Cooma than from Jindabyne!”
A few years after its inception, John started raising money for charity, starting with a daycare centre that was located on his street.
“Last year it hit the magic figure of $12,800, and we divide it up with local organisations,” he said.
“Every cent of it goes right back to the community. In my way of thinking about it, that’s a great thing that it can raise so much money.
“Personally, that’s my take on life – that we try to help each other. If we don’t, what chance have we got?”
In 2025, he is supporting The Salvation Army’s Light the Way appeal.
The 80-year-old isn’t letting age stop him, despite well-meaning questions from family about how long he’ll keep going.
John was given what he calls a “second wind” this year, after Origin donated a home battery that’s added to his existing solar system.
John says the donated battery system makes the annual show “a lot easier” on his wallet. Photo: Tom Vergotis/Content Crew.
Together, the systems save him $2282 from the annual energy spend on his bill.
“I had a bit of a thought about [stopping the displays] – I was actually at a bit of a crossroads.
“I can see myself going on for another four or five years, and then we’ll start re-evaluating.”
You can see Postman John’s Christmas light display at 4 Bent Street in Jindabyne. He’ll be lighting up the night each evening until 1 January.
