Zoe Moffatt
Greater Western Water (GWW) has officially opened entries for this year’s National Water Week poster competition, following Sunbury and Macedon Ranges students taking out 11 of the 17 awards last year.
The competition is open to all primary, kindergarten and early learning students, and the new theme is “water for all, inspiring action,” highlighting the important role water plays in bringing individuals and communities together.
Last year St Brigid’s Primary School in Gisborne collected five of the top spots, while St Anne’s Primary School in Sunbury had three students win.
St Brigid’s staff member Emma Barker said the school community is proud to have finalists and winners in previous years, given the great number of talented local students.
“Each year’s chosen theme gives students an opportunity to reflect and create an art piece that conveys their water connection and everyone invests in the task thoughtfully,” she said.
“As a school, our collective entries saw us win one of the school prizes which we used to bring a sustainability project to life.
“[We] are looking forward to producing more art this year … and will look forward to National Water Week in October when the winners are announced.
“Good luck and thank you to everyone involved in celebrating water’s vital role in our everyday life and how fortunate we are to have clean, fresh water.”
St. Anne’s sustainability leader Jo Hannan agreed the competition offers an important platform for students to engage in and learn about the environment.
“The [GWW] competition is an engaging way that allows students to reflect on the importance of water, our waterways and our environment,” she said.
“It is important for our children to grow up with the knowledge that water supports life, and without it, our health and the health of our environment will not be optimal.”
First prize winners from GWW’s local competition will automatically be entered into the state competition, with winners announced during National Water Week in October.
There are categories for each age range, from early learning and kindergarten to grade 6. Entries close on September 6.
Details: www.gww.com.au/about/community/national-water-week
