Yarrabilba’s favourite festive troublemaker is back – and this year he’s staying out later so families can enjoy the fun without battling the heat.
Local resident Brendon Meynell, known for transforming into the Grinch each December, will be back out on the footpath at 77 Buxton Avenue throughout the month, handing out toys, treats and smiles.
He said the small, but meaningful treat fr local kids would get bigger and better every year “to bring more smiles to everyone”.
Mr Meynell will run pop-up Grinch nights on 9, 11, 15, 17, 19, 22 and 24 December from 5.30-7.30pm, after shifting the times later to help families avoid the worst of the summer heat and late work hours.
The later times will also allow him to add small lights to the display.
Across each night, families can take free photos, meet the Grinch, and collect an assortment of toys, lollies, stickers and stamps – all part of Mr Meynell’s mission to create an inclusive, cost-free Christmas experience for local children.
A special family fun day will also be held on Saturday 20 December from 12pm–2pm, where the winner of his annual colouring-in competition will be announced.
The Yarrabilba tradition began after Mr Meynell suffered a life-changing spinal injury while playing cricket, leaving him with permanent nerve damage and forcing him to give up many everyday activities.
He said the accident affected both his mobility and mental health, but also gave him a renewed determination to give back in new ways.
He began 3D-printing toys, dressing up as Santa, and eventually donning the iconic green fur to bring Christmas joy to families who couldn’t easily access shopping-centre photo sessions.
The Grinch appearances quickly became one of Yarrabilba’s most popular neighbourhood traditions, with hundreds visiting his home across multiple nights.
While some young children start out wary of the bright green costume, his gentle approach – and the bag of giveaways – usually wins them over before they leave.
Mr Meynell said the joy it brought kept his own Christmas spirit alive.
Everyone is invited to stop by, grab a photo, pick up a free surprise, and help spread some festive cheer across Yarrabilba.
