Artwork by 12 year old Cobar Public School (CPS) student, Amelia ‘Milly’ Cohen, has been selected from hundreds of entries to feature on the NSW Deputy Premier’s Christmas card this year.
Public school students from Kindergarten to Year 6 across NSW entered the Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car’s Christmas card competition with Milly’s snowman design entry chosen as the overall winner.
Students were encouraged to use their imaginations to depict the theme ‘Together at Christmas’.
“It was really tough to choose a winner, so I asked my family to help me,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car said.
Her family all agreed that Milly’s bright, detailed artwork was the standout choice.
“We loved the bright colours, beautiful detail, and shading you used in your drawing of the snowman and wreath.
“I am very excited to see your artwork on my 2025 Christmas card,” Deputy Premier Car wrote to Milly.
The school was notified last week that Milly’s entry had been chosen as the winner and a very excited school principal, Jonathan Harvey, said he had to double check the email.
He then contacted Milly’s dad, Craig Cohen, and invited him to the school so they could surprise Milly.
When Milly was called into the Principal’s office and found her dad there too, she initially thought she was in trouble but Mr Harvey was quick to assure her it was good news.
“We were thrilled,” Mr Harvey said.
“Milly’s a good student and is never in trouble.”
Craig, mum Amy, Milly’s wider family and the school community are all incredibly proud of the young artist.
“She’s definitely got a talent,” Craig said.
“I’m not sure where she gets it from!
“She can draw amazing pictures free-hand, I can’t even draw a stick-figure sausage dog.”
Art is Milly’s favourite subject at school and a favourite hobby at home also.
Craig is very supportive of Milly’s creative pursuits.
“We have a whole cupboard set up for art and I’m, building a shed so she’s going to have her own art space,” he said.
Craig added that art has been a wonderful outlet for Milly, especially when she’s feeling nervous or stressed.
In addition to winning the Minister’s Christmas Card competition, Milly was also named the Junior Artist of the Month for November at the Cobar Youth and Community Centre, where several of her artworks are currently on display.
Milly heads to high school next year and is looking forward to taking art as an elective subject and later pursuing an art-related career.
We think she’s definitely got the talent for it!
