Tilley's love for Murtoa gets her design onto MP's Christmas card

Tilley, 11, from Murtoa was over the moon when her design was selected to be member for Lowan, Emma Kealy's 2020 Christmas card.

When Tilley found out this year she won, she said her "heart was racing" and she was "shivering" all over.

"It was like how I felt when I got my new puppy," Tilley said.

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She was determined to try again, even though she was heartbroken last year.

"I was really upset last year because I tried so hard, so I decided to try again this year with a different technique," Tilley said.

"This year I thought about my home town instead of drawing somewhere I didn't know about."

Tilley focused on her favourite parts of Murtoa.

"I love the lake and looking at the Grampians," she said.

Tilley loves art and is thinking about becoming an animator when she grows up, she said she always has "lots of ideas."

While Tilley is excited about seeing her artwork in print, she was speechless her design will reach all over Australia and may even get to the Prime Minister.

"It's amazing. It made me feel so excited," she said.

Tilley described her artwork as Santa Claus rock climbing in the Grampians and giving presents to all the animals.

Emma Kealy visited Tilley's school, Murtoa College on December 15 to announce the winner of the Christmas card competition.

"I was looking for a design that meaningfully represented our great part of the state and I was very impressed with the way Tilley captured the significance of the Grampians and rock climbing to our region, and the clever way she added Christmas into her design," Ms Kealy said.

Tilley received an art pack and a set of cards featuring her design, while a number of other students received honourable mentions and prizes.

Hundreds of entries from schools across the Lowan electorate were received and some are now on display at Ms Kealy's Horsham office.

"Looking through the beautiful designs our local students create is a wonderful way to end the year, and I sincerely thank the students and schools for taking the time to design a Christmas card for me this year," she said.

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