It was bright smiles, water activities galore and mascot madness today when more than 80 children from across the region came together to celebrate National Water Week.
Coliban Water partnered with City of Greater Bendigo, North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Dja Dja Wurrung to host the day, which aimed to provide hands-on activities and educational experiences for participating schools.
Executive General Manager Strategy and Governance Roslyn Wai said the Garden of the Future at Bendigo Botanic Gardens was a great setting for the annual event – which this year is a ‘Water Hero Convention’.
“It’s been fantastic to see so many kids in our community come together, have fun and collectively learn about water. Water conservation is especially important in our region because of our reliance on water sources from other areas,” Ms Wai said.
“There’s been water-related educational activities hosted by each partner organisation, including water wise gardens, water conservation, the ‘bin it, don’t flush it’ campaign, sessions about waterbugs and river health, and even some dancing,” she said.
North Central CMA Regional Waterwatch Coordinator Cass Davis said being able to show the value of water to young people, their culture, their community and their environment is invaluable.
“It is important young people have an understanding of where their water comes from, how it’s managed and why it’s so important to so many people,” she said.
“With the four organisations coming together, when the children go back to their schools, their homes and their communities, they are going back armed with knowledge and a lot of passion.
“Working with children is inspiring and National Water Week is an opportunity to remind ourselves we need to keep working together. We need to keep using this precious resource carefully and sustainably.”
City of Greater Bendigo Councillor James Williams said the City was pleased to be able to support the event again in 2018.
“The Bendigo Botanic Gardens is an ideal venue for children to learn about and engage with the natural environment,” Cr Williams said.
“Bendigo Creek runs through the gardens and the little lagoon in the heritage section of the gardens is the only remaining original section of the creek in Bendigo’s urban area, so it’s a great place for events with a water focus.”
Ms Wai said the day was also a chance to promote the Choose Tap message, with an appearance from ‘Tap’, the campaign’s mascot.
“This helps children think about drinking tap water as an alternative to sugary drinks. Drinking tap water is part of a healthy lifestyle and is a positive alternative to bottled water.
“A number of mascots have been entertaining the kids, which also got them thinking creatively about water,” she said.
Last updated on 08 Jul 2019