Twenty school-aged artists will soon help dress the city for Chrissy, with the winners of Townsville City Council's annual Festive Flags competition announced.
It was out with the snow and in with the sun as hundreds of local schoolkids drew on their own unique experiences of a North Queensland Christmas to inspire their artwork entries.
Named amongst the winners were siblings, Maysen and Kayla Rieniets, whose The Strand-inspired flag designs caught the eyes of the elected official judges.
Year 9 student Maysen and her younger sister, Kayla, who is in Year 7, are seasoned artists whose Festive Flags entries have adorned the city a few times before.
Originally from the United States, Maysen and Kayla drew on their own experiences of Christmas in the tropics – days filled with sun, sand, barbecues and spending time with family and friends.
A total of 384 entries were received in this year's competition, with Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney and councillors deciding on the winners.
Councillor Greaney said the Festive Flags competition had become a Townsville tradition.
"As councillors, putting on our judging hats for Festive Flags is a real joy; children have the most wonderful imaginations and we always love seeing on paper just what Christmas in North Queensland means to them," Cr Greaney said.
"We have ensured this is an inclusive event that all early childhood centres and schools across the city can get involved in.
"This year we have received a huge number of entries – dozens more than last year and ranging from children in daycare all the way up to Year 12.
"We want to thank all the young artists for their efforts and congratulate those who made it to the Top 20 – their works will soon be flying on flags all across Townsville and they should be very proud."
The Festive Flags will be installed across the city, The Strand, and at Riverway in mid-November, marking the unofficial six-week countdown to the most wonderful time of the year.
