Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Tuesday, 25 November, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Help find Santa’s missing Elves across Greater Shepparton

In Summary

Santa’s elves are missing across Greater Shepparton and families are invited to join the festive hunt to help find them.
The interactive elf trail runs from 1 to 22 December 2025 via the Greater Shepparton App, with 12 elves hidden in towns across the municipality.
Participants who find six or more elves will go in the draw to win local shopping and experience vouchers, with a total prize pool of $600.
The initiative is part of Council’s A Wonder Filled Summer campaign, encouraging exploration, connection and festive fun across the region.

As part of this year’s A Wonder Filled Summer Christmas campaign, Greater Shepparton City Council has launched Santa’s Missing Elves, an interactive hunt that turns the region into a trail of festive adventure and family fun.

Twelve of Santa’s cheeky elves could not resist exploring Greater Shepparton and have hopped off the sleigh during a practice run. They have now scattered themselves across Greater Shepparton, including Dookie, Katandra West, Merrigum, Mooroopna, Murchison, Tallygaroopna, Tatura and Toolamba, as well as various locations in Shepparton.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Santa had reached out to ask the community for help in bringing his helpers home.

“Santa’s elves have gone missing across Greater Shepparton, and he needs our community’s help to find them,” he said.

Running from Monday 1 December to Monday 22 December 2025, the challenge invites families and friends to download the Greater Shepparton App (or make sure they are on the latest version), follow the clues and start their adventure along the Christmas Trail to find the cheeky hidden elves.

How it works:

Download (or update) the Greater Shepparton App, by searching ‘Greater Shepparton’ in the Apple Store or via Google Play, or simply visit shepp.city/app
Follow the clues: Use the app to track down Santa’s missing elves hidden across Greater Shepparton. Clues will also be shared on Greater Shepparton City Council’s Facebook and Instagram.
Scan and enter: When you find an elf, scan their QR code and enter their name in the app to record your discovery.
Enter the draw: Locate six or more elves to unlock your competition entry and go in the draw to win one (1) $300 local experience voucher, or one (1) of two (2) $150 local business vouchers. Total prize pool is $600.

“Every elf found brings Santa one step closer to being ready for Christmas Eve. We are calling on families, friends and visitors to join in, follow the clues and help bring the elves home,” Cr Sali said.

“It is a great way for our community and visitors to explore our towns, enjoy the decorations and take part in something fun together this Christmas for the chance to win.”

To join the adventure, download the Greater Shepparton App, or visit shepp.city/elves for full details and competition terms and conditions. Make sure your app is on the latest version to participate.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday 23 December 2025 via Council’s Facebook and Instagram stories and will be contacted by phone.

Santa’s Missing Elves is part of Greater Shepparton City Council’s A Wonder Filled Summer campaign, which celebrates the magic of Christmas across the region. Tap here for more details.

For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au