Residents of the NSW Hunter region are voicing their frustration and dismay following announcements from local stations about changes to a long-standing tradition. After a recent review raised safety concerns, the decision was made to update the event’s format.

These changes have sparked online chatter, with some speculating that the event might face cancellation altogether in the future.

“Our organization has identified potential risks to the public due to the throwing of lollies from our vehicles,” one station shared in a social media post. This post highlighted the safety issues that prompted the review.

It was also pointed out to the firefighters that the act of tossing lollies might put them at risk of committing certain criminal offences. As a result, they have decided to discontinue the practice of driving through the streets as they have traditionally done.

“Therefore we will not be driving the streets as we have done.

“The concern isn’t the lollies themselves, but the risk of someone running onto the road or close to traffic to chase them.”

The stations said they would make adjustments to the format of their lolly runs.

”You can still grab lollies, they’ll just be handed out at our stopping points instead of being thrown from the truck,” one station said.

“You might leave with a sweet treat and a friendly reminder to check your smoke alarms but you won’t be dodging flying Minties this year.”

Residents expressed their appreciation for the hard work of firefighters but voiced their disappointment with the changes.

“This country is a joke!” one resident said.

“Who’s complained this time,” another person said.

“I always knew my childhood trauma was caused by a rogue Chupa Chup or musk stick thrown by Santa on the Christmas lolly run. Sad that littles these days will miss out on this tradition,” a third resident said.

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson reassured families the event would go ahead as it had in previous years and insisted the rule had been in place since 2023.

“For more than 50 years, the Fire and Rescue NSW Christmas lolly run has been a much-loved tradition in our community,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“We’re proud of the connection it’s created between our firefighters and local families.

“At this time of year, FRNSW is reminding firefighters not to throw lollies from their trucks.

“This is to prevent children running towards moving vehicles, reduce the risk of accidental injury, and to ensure we meet food safety and legal requirements.

“This approach has been taken since 2023.

“FRNSW can assure the community the lolly run will maintain its pride of place this Christmas.”