This way Santa! Super light display in Mt Barker’s Jackson Street raises money for Royal Flying Doctor Service

If Father Christmas needs a guiding light when he’s delivering to Jackson Street in Mt Barker, he can home in on Carrie Linster’s display.

So bright it’s probably visible from space, Ms Linster and husband Ewen Hill’s annual showstopper is one of the highlights of the festive season and is again helping raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The cause is close to the couple’s hearts. Both used to work for St John WA and it’s an organisation they have supported with donations from their lights for the last 11 years.

Ms Linster said they raised $600 last year and were hoping to do the same this time, especially after a busy week of visitors and gold coin donations.

“We had 43 people come through on Thursday night, so it felt almost like a street party,” she said.

“There were kids playing and chatting, it was great fun.”

Visitors come through the arms of the inflatable Santa and follow a trail around the tree in the couple’s front garden, before being guided to the carport which hosts a marvellous mini village.

On the way they can enjoy a host of inflatables, a smoke machine and lights aplenty.

The village features about 200 figurines, a helter-skelter and lots of other miniature funfair rides.

There is even a short railway track and a lovely mountainous backdrop.

The pair add to their collection each year but also upcycle household objects.

So, they have made baubles from old hanging baskets, stars out of coat-hangers and even spangly objects out of Chinese takeaway containers.

There are other homes around town which are lit up, but it’s not about being competitive for the Linster-Hill display, according to Ms Linster.

“There has been a bit more competition this year but that’s not why we do it,” she said.

“It’s about getting in the spirit, and just getting together for a good cause.”