By Kath Gannaway
JESSIE Bennett did not hold back when asked about winning Casey MP Tony Smith’s 2016 Christmas card competition.
“I was gobsmacked … my jaw dropped and my eyes widened,” she said.
“I was in shock … I didn’t think I’d win.”
Mr Smith’s Christmas card design is now almost as much a local tradition as CFA Santas and carols in leafy parks, and Gladysdale Primary School students were delighted to be asked to come up with this year’s design.
Mr Smith said Jessie’s card was chosen for its use of colour and the Australian theme.
It was one of several great designs with Jackson Wetherall, Tyer Jones and Riley Wallis-Hasell sharing runner-up honours.
Mr Smith said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was very pleased to receive his wonderful Christmas card all the way from Gladysdale, Victoria.
That’s a prestigious nod for a Grade 4 student who had not expected to win.
“I’m so excited for my card to go all over Australia,” Jessie said.
