by Toby, age 9 from Hobart, Tasmania, asks Santa what he’s called in Australia, the Derwent River, and Tasmania’s wildlife conservation.
Dear Santa, my name is Toby, and I am nine years old. I live in Hobart, Tasmania, where my dad says our island is home to a real, wild animal called the Tasmanian devil.
Dear Toby, an island with its own famous little devil makes for one of the most unique stops on my entire route, your dad picked a truly wild hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is Santa called in Australia? My mate reckons you might have a totally different name down here.
Here in Australia, I go by the same names as in most English speaking places, Toby, Santa Claus or Father Christmas both work just fine. Your mate can rest easy, no secret Australian nickname exists.
My dad says Hobart sits along the Derwent River, and Tasmania is actually its own island separate from mainland Australia. Is that true?
It is true, Toby, Tasmania sits as its own island south of the Australian mainland, with Hobart resting along the Derwent River. I always enjoy that dramatic, separate landscape flying in to visit you.
My dad says Tasmania is known for protecting a lot of its unique wildlife, like the Tasmanian devil. Is that true?
It is true, Toby, Tasmania takes real pride in protecting its unique wildlife, working hard to keep creatures like the Tasmanian devil safe for future generations. That kind of careful, thoughtful stewardship is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Toby Fletcher
Hobart, Tasmania
P.S. Have you ever met a real Tasmanian devil on your rounds?
Only from a respectful distance, Toby, they have quite the reputation.
