Children across the Western Plains are counting down the days until Christmas, and this weekend they can talk to the big man himself as Telstra’s Free Calls to Santa initiative returns.

Since Telstra made payphone calls free in August 2021, Australians have made more than 100 million calls, turning to payphones for everything from emergency situations and welfare checks to quick chats with family when mobile coverage fails.

Yet one number has stood out above all others - Santa’s hotline.

Nearly two million calls have been made to #HOHOHO (#46 46 46), making it the most dialled number on the entire network.

Telstra Foundation CEO Jackie Coates said the initiative brings joy while also reinforcing an important life skill for kids.

“Christmas is a really special time for lots of kids,” she said.

“Free Calls to Santa is all about bringing a little bit of fun, a little bit of joy, to kids right across the country.

"And this weekend, for every free call made to Santa from any Telstra payphone, we're donating $1 to Kids Helpline.

"This is going to help provide support to young Aussies and kids big and small.”

Ms Coates said making a call is simple, with more than 14,000 Telstra payphones located across Australia’s cities, regional towns, and remote communities.

“You can head to any of our 40,000-plus payphones and have a chat to Santa, and you can make a real difference,” she said.

The initiative will run on December 13 and 14, giving families a chance to share in a little Christmas magic.

Importantly every phone call to Santa helps support Kids Helpline counsellors who assist young people facing stress, loneliness, and family pressures.

Kids Helpline counsellor Hannah Wilson said the Christmas period can be especially tough for young people, even though it’s widely seen as a time of joy and celebration.

“We know from talking to so many young people around Australia that the Christmas and holiday period can often be a period of joy, family and celebration, but for many young people that isn't the case,” she said.

Since 1991, Kid's Helpline has taken nine million calls - and this weekend's 'free call to Santa' program will add to their funding through donations from Telstra.

“It’s a time that can be filled with anxiety and stress and conflict.”

Ms Wilson said the service experiences a surge in calls throughout December.

“Last year, we received almost 200 calls from young people on Christmas Day.

"Across December, this number saw almost 10,000 calls.

"At Kids Helpline, we are committed to supporting every single young person across Australia, because they deserve to know that someone’s on the end of the line, ready to support them on Christmas.”

Telstra’s donation drive will contribute directly to funding counsellors like Ms Wilson, who help children and teens navigate everything from family worries and loneliness to more serious mental health challenges.

In the past year alone, more than 8,000 calls to Kids Helpline have come from Telstra payphones, proof that free access can be a lifeline when other forms of connection fail.

Every call made this weekend adds to the tally supporting Kids Helpline, at no cost to families.

As Christmas edges closer, Ms Coates said the aim is to ensure every child feels connected, supported, and seen.

“A quick call to Santa can bring so much joy,” she said.

“And this weekend, it can also help another young person get the support they need.”

To find your nearest payphone, use the Payphone Finder.