McCORMACK COUNTRY CHRISTMAS DRAWING COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED

A delightful drawing of Santa Claus cuddling a koala next to baby Jesus and his proud parents, Mary and Joseph, has won this year’s Christmas drawing competition conducted by Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack.

The picture was drawn by St Brendan’s Primary School, Ganmain, Year 2 student, Maverick Hatty, 8.

“Maverick’s drawing beautifully depicted how we traditionally celebrate Christmas Day with an Australian country twist,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack presented Maverick with his book prize during a special assembly at St Brendan’s Primary School.

“Maverick comes from a large and long-standing Ganmain farming family,” Mr McCormack said.

“It was terrific to see a student remember the origins of Christmas and creatively incorporate it with modern celebrations.”

More than 1,350 Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students from right throughout the Riverina electorate entered this year’s drawing competition, the eighth conducted by Mr McCormack.

The theme of the competition was A Country Christmas. 

Runner-up in the 2021 competition was St Joseph’s Primary School, Grenfell, Year 2 student Emily Protheroe, 8, while third place went to Middleton Public School, Parkes, Year 1 student Scarlett Gosper-Chambers, 7.

Emily and Scarlett were also awarded books for their outstanding entries.

Each student who entered the competition has been given a colourful certificate to acknowledge their entry and contribution to the Christmas spirit.

“Thank you to every student who submitted an entry and thanks, also, to all the school staff who support the competition every year – without them the competition would not be as successful as it has been,” Mr McCormack said.

Prize winners

•             1st Place: Maverick Hatty, 8, St Brendan’s Primary School, Ganmain

•             2nd Place: Emily Protheroe, 8, St Joseph’s Primary School, Grenfell

•             3rd Place: Scarlett Gosper-Chambers, 7, Middleton Public School, Parkes