Young artists’ festive flair lights up local MP’s Christmas cards

By Billie Davern

Dec 11, 2024

Annabelle Cleeland announces youth Christmas card competition winners. Cleeland is pictured with her baby Sigrid, two months. Photo by Contributed

Artwork by three local students will grace the cover of State Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland's, Christmas card this year.

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Ms Cleeland invited students from schools across the region to design a card showcasing their favourite local features with a festive twist.

The competition attracted hundreds of entries this year.

Ms Cleeland sought a design that captured the essence of the region while embracing the Christmas spirit.

“Our young students have incredible artistic talent and the designs they created were outstanding,” Ms Cleeland said.

Clare Bickerton from St John's Primary School in Euroa, Evie Holland of Puckapunyal Primary School, and Macey Shields from St Mary's College Seymour were announced as the overall winners.

A panel of local artists and community leaders assisted Ms Cleeland in choosing the winning designs.

The three winners will each receive a gift voucher for local art supplies and a framed copy of their artwork.

Students drew inspiration from native wildlife, the Australian summer, and traditional Christmas imagery.

Twelve other students' designs will feature on the back of Ms Cleeland's card as honourable mentions.

Ms Cleeland said that she was delighted for the winners.

“Our littlest people will remind us of the true spirit of the season through their creativity and show us that presence is more important than presents,” Ms Cleeland said.