Christmas Card Competition Winners 2024

December 20, 2024

Pictured (left to right): Christmas Card winners Julie Duell, Facility Manager of Marsfield Dan Xu, resident Margaret Naylor with family member Jackie Knowles, and Lifestyle Coordinator Grace Laws.

The 2024 Christmas Card Competition was a major success, with creative entries pouring in from across our homes. We want to thank every participant for sharing their talent and creativity. This year, three standout designs were selected as winners and have been printed as our official 2024 Christmas Cards, which will be shared with residents, clients, volunteers, and partners. Each winner brings a unique story and artistic flair to their design.

Christmas Bell Sprites – Julie Duell, Reynolds Court, Bateau Bay

‘In the open bushland green wherever feet are wet, you may find Chime and Bella there singing a duet!

Their tinkly sliver voices high carry on the breeze and blend with songs of bellbirds clear wafting through the trees.

Some Christmas Bells are red and gold and others all bright yellow. A splash of colour in the bush, they wave a cheery ‘Hello!’

Julie Duell is a resident and artist at Reynolds Court Residential Care, Bateau Bay. At 83 years old, she is a creative force with a passion for painting, drawing, sculpting, and crafting. Her unique artistic flair shines through in her sweet and whimsical depictions of trees, flowers, fairies, and adorable animals. Despite living with macular degeneration and Parkinson's disease, Julie's determination to continue sharing her love of art never wavered. At Reynolds Court, Julie established an Art Club, inspired by the workshops she previously ran in the community. A relaxed, social setting where residents can gather, chat, draw and enjoy refreshments. It has proven to be an engaging and enjoyable way for residents to connect through creativity.

Joy to the World - Grace Laws, St Joseph’s, Tweed Heads

Grace Laws, Lifestyle Coordinator at St Joseph’s Tweed Heads, has had a passion for art since childhood. While others played outside, Grace could be found drawing, sewing, and creating, skills she’s nurtured throughout her life. Her natural talent extends to her children, all of whom are artistically gifted.

While guiding residents through Christmas Card designs, Grace felt inspired to create her own. Reflecting on her time in the Australian bush as a cattle farmer in rural Queensland, she sketched an image of a kookaburra—symbolising peace amid the chaos of the festive season. In less than an hour, her artwork came to life, and it is now one of the official Christmas Cards for Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT). Through this design, Grace hopes to remind others to find calm and joy in simplicity, like a lone kookaburra singing freely in the quiet of the bush.

Christmas Baubles, Jackie Knowles, niece of resident Margaret Naylor, Marsfield Residential Care

Jackie Knowles, Art Coordinator, was inspired by last year's Christmas Card designs to create something special for her 97-year-old aunt, Margaret Naylor, a resident at Marsfield Residential Care. Margaret, who recently transitioned from Marsfield Village after 15 years, has embraced her new home, actively participating in various activities the home offers. Jackie's motivation was simple, "I only wanted to do something for Aunty Marg.” Margaret praised the card's design, calling it "lovely” while Facility Manager Dan Xu said: "I'm very proud of my community and everything they achieve.”

These beautiful creations capture the spirit of Christmas in heartfelt and meaningful ways. We hope they inspire joy, reflection, and connection throughout the festive season. Thank you again to everyone who contributed their time and creativity