Santa Swaps Sleigh for Tractor in Winning Dawson Christmas Card Design
From rolling cane fields to coral trout in the sea, and even a Brahman cow pulling Santa’s tractor sleigh, 12-year-old Emma Vella has captured the heart of Dawson in a single, unforgettable Christmas card.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has announced 12-year-old Emma Vella from the Mackay region as the winner of his annual Christmas Card Competition.
This year’s theme, “My Favourite Thing About Living in Dawson,” invited children aged 12 and under to celebrate the people, places, and spirit that make the region special.
Mr Willcox said the judging was a tough task.
“We wanted the competition to be open to a wide range of children to express their creativity, but comparing art between different age groups is always tough,” Mr Willcox said.
“What really stood out with Emma’s entry was the thought and creativity she put into it.
“She swapped Santa’s sleigh for a tractor, reindeer for cows, and included so many of the things we love about Dawson: From a sugar mill and loco, to the Big Mango, fishing in one of our beautiful rivers, and coral that highlights our tropical way of life.”
Emma is part of a fifth-generation cane farming family in Mackay, a connection that gives her artwork a special personal touch.
“I wanted to show the cane fields because that’s a big part of our local way of life,” she said.
“I wanted my card to show all the things that make our Dawson region special: The farms, the cane, the hills, the fruit, and the reef. It’s such a beautiful place to live, and I just wanted to show how amazing it is here.”
She also explained some of the finer details in her artwork:
“I added the Big Mango from Bowen because it shows how important farming is in Bowen, all the tomatoes, pumpkins and of course the Bowen mangos. I also drew a fishing scene with a coral trout, because fishing’s a big part of life here too. I wanted to show everything that makes living in Dawson so special.”
Mr Willcox said Emma’s entry perfectly captured the spirit of the region and will make a bright and joyful Christmas card for households across Dawson.
“It’s a beautifully colourful entry that truly reflects who we are,” he said.
“And I must admit, the fishing scene struck a personal chord, it’s one of my favourite things to do in my downtime, especially around Christmas when I get a few precious days off with family.”
Emma’s creativity came together quickly after realising the competition only had a few days left before artwork submissions were due.
“Mum found out about the competition just two days before it closed, so I stayed up late sketching and colouring to get it finished in time.
“I really wanted to include something from all across Dawson, from the reef to the farms.”
In recognition of her winning design, and fittingly, given her proud country heritage, Mr Willcox presented Emma with a W. Titley & Co voucher as her prize.
Mr Willcox said that his annual Christmas card is sent to more than 62,000 homes across Dawson.
“It’s so exciting to think that my drawing will be on people’s fridges all across the region,” Emma said.
“So many people are going to see it, it feels amazing!”
A selection of entries from across the region will also be turned into a collage canvas to be displayed in Mr Willcox’s Canberra office, as a lasting reminder of the creativity and community spirit of Dawson’s youngest residents.
The original entries will also be proudly displayed in the reception area of Mr Willcox’s Mackay office to help spread the Christmas cheer as the festive season approaches.
ENDS
Caption:
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, congratulates Emma Vella on her winning Christmas Card design for 2025.
Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662 M | 0455 456 705 E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au