There was ice cream, rides and jumping castles to please the children and coffee and roast lunch for the adults.

Country Hope general manager Ellie Webb said the highlight was a visit from a special guest.

Santa flew in via helicopter to distribute presents.

“The kids had a ball,” Ms Webb said.

“It was so nice to see them laughing and having fun.”

Ms Webb received messages from parents and guardians reiterating how much the event means to the children.

“It’s a really good family day,” she said.

Gifts were collected by Beyond Bank and volunteers cooked and served lunch to guests.