United by water for National Water Week

Each year, Australia's National Water Week encourages people, communities, and organisations to come together and raise awareness about water issues.

Once again, Westernport Water and South Gippsland Water teamed up with other water corporations from the state to celebrate National Water Week (NWW) with a poster competition for primary school students, and for the first year ever, 4-year-old Kindergarten students participated.

Students were invited to design posters based on this year’s theme, ‘United by Water’. The event saw a great response with over 500 colourful posters from kids of all ages across the region.

Westernport Water and South Gippsland Water recognised the top three posters from each age group. The best posters also competed at the state level against other regional winners.

“Water education is essential for everyone, but above all, we must teach the leaders of tomorrow how to protect water by caring for the environment and using water wisely," said Westernport Water’s Managing Director, Dona Tantirimudalige.

“Through their art, students shared how we are all united by water. They expressed their individual connection to water by drawing and painting their favourite water activities, the challenges with pollution and how water supports life.

“Congratulations to all the participants, finalists and San Remo Primary School who was the lucky winner of Westernport Water’s $1000 school participation prize.

“Well done also to Gemma who came equal second in the state level competition for kindergarten students, and Venus who came equal first in the state for all Grade 1-2 entries! A fantastic achievement.”

South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Robert Murphy also praised the students’ creativity.

"I'm really impressed by the creativity and awareness shown by the students. A big thanks to the schools and teachers for their support.

"The posters show how much the students care about water, from beautiful landscapes to environmental protection and the importance of staying hydrated.

"Well done to all participants and a big congratulations to Toora Primary School for winning South Gippsland Water’s sustainability prize."

2023 NWW Poster Competition – Top three posters in each category for Westernport Water.

4-Year-Old Kinder: 1st – Gemma McKenzie, Phillip Island Early Learning Centre (only one entry received). Gemma also came equal second in the State competition.

Prep: 1st – Isla McKenzie, Cowes Primary School, 2nd – Savannah, Newhaven Primary School, Equal 3rd – Stevie and Travis, Newhaven Primary School

Grade 1-2: 1st – Venus Herath Mudiyanselage, Newhaven College, 2nd – Taya Thompson, San Remo Primary School, Equal 3rd – Tillie James, Newhaven College and Finn, San Remo Primary School.
Venus also came equal first in the State competition, and first in the National Competition for her age group!

Grade 3-4: 1st – Zeally, San Remo Primary School, Equal 2nd – Oskar James, Newhaven College and Nkechi Okoli, Newhaven Primary School, 3rd – Isabell, San Remo Primary School.

Grade 5-6: 1st – Jack Rooney, Cowes Primary School, 2nd – Mac, San Remo Primary School, Equal 3rd – Summer, Newhaven Primary School and Harvey Oats, San Remo Primary School.

2023 NWW Poster Competition – Top three posters in each category for South Gippsland Water.

4-Year-Old Kinder: 1st – Steele Dobson, Foster Early Learning (only one entry received).

Prep; 1st – Evelyn, Toora Primary School, 2nd – Indigo Pearson, Alberton Primary School, 3rd – Indi Smith, Alberton Primary School.

Grade 1-2: 1st – Carys, Toora Primary School, 2nd – Camden Macauley, Alberton Primary School, 3rd – Emi, Toora Primary School.

Grade 3-4: 1st – Bodhi, Fish Creek Primary School, 2nd – Brylie, Fish Creek Primary School, 3rd – Macey, Poowong Consolidated School.

Grade 5-6: 1st – Harry Warren, Alberton Primary School, 2nd – Scarlett, Toora Primary School, 3rd – Mya, Fish Creek Primary School.