John McLoughlin, widely known as Postman John, celebrated a record-breaking year for his annual Christmas Light Display, which raised $13,708.45 over a month of the display lighting up Bent Street in Jindabyne.

The figure surpasses last year’s total by about $900, marking it the highest amount the event has collected.

Postman John announced the news on Australia Day at the Jindabyne Australia Day awards ceremony where he divvied out the donations to local groups.

The funds were distributed to four local charity organisations, with each group receiving $3,200, bringing the total distributed to $12,800.

An additional $500 was donated to the Lake Light Sculpture committee, bringing the immediate distribution up to $13,300 and the final $400 was left in the bank.

A late contribution of $25 from a donor in Queensland was also received for this year’s Christmas light display as a healthy start to the fundraiser to kick off in December this year.

Among the beneficiaries were well-known local charities, including the Cooma Salvation Army, the Snowy Mountains Community Association, along with The Fly Program and Thredbo Childcare Centre.

Postman John said the community response was overwhelmingly positive during the 2025 Christmas Light Display, with recipients expressing gratitude and surprise at the generosity.

“Some wonderful things happened during December that showed the communities true Christmas spirit,” Postman John said.

“Including a moment when two young visitors, after noticing three non-working lights, returned with a donation of new lights from Canberra and refused to take payment from me.

“It was a lovely gesture and goes to show how much the community appreciate and enjoy the display I put up each year for decades now.”

He credited the community’s spirit—especially young people—for helping bring the display to life each year.

Opening night was exceptionally busy, and while Christmas Eve remained the peak, Postman John said December was noticeably more active than in recent years.

The opening night attracted several political parties, local council, and TV stations as well as many other media outlets come as they all gathered with the community to witness the display come to life and flock the street for one of Jindabyne’s most favourite events of the year.

Before the Lights were switched on, Origin Energy contacted the McLoughlin’s after finding out about their incredible contributions to the community through their Christmas display each year wanting to help alleviate the electricity costs by donating a solar battery to the couple's home.

Postman John said he is very thankful for Origins donation and it has helped immensely as they switched the lights on for the 36th year.

Postman John offered thanks to all those who supported and contributed to another successful year of fundraising including Santa Claus, Origin Energy, Cam McKid and his team at the Banjo Patterson Inn, and supporters across the area.

“A huge thanks to my wife, Doreen, and my children, who have always supported me and my endeavours, they are all essential to the Displays success," Postman John said.