Local students take centre stage to help spread the waterwise message
Students from secondary schools in Perth and the South West will help design new ways of promoting the waterwise message at a unique event hosted by Water Corporation and the Innovation Institute.
The 2021 WA Schools Think Tank Challenge features teams of Year 9 and 10 students from 23 schools in Perth, Bunbury and Albany. Students will be asked put innovation into action by helping inspire people to stay waterwise in the face of climate change.
More than 180 students will take part in one of four workshops, with eight finalists invited to present their bright ideas to a panel of water industry experts on Friday, 21 May.
Water Corporation General Manager Customer and Community, Karen Willis, said the event offered a forum for young people to voice their hopes for WA’s sustainable water future.
“Climate change means it’s more important than ever to work together to save water, and that includes giving a voice to young people who are our future leaders,” Ms Willis said.
“The 2021 WA Schools Think Tank Challenge is a unique opportunity for these students to learn about the challenges facing our water supply future, and why it’s so important we continue to use water wisely.
“The waterwise message is something we all know and understand, however, we’re always searching for new ways to take that message to the community. That’s something these students will have the chance to help with, and we look forward to hearing their innovative ideas.”
In addition to learning about the innovation process, students will gain insight into Indigenous water management practices and learn how Traditional Owners have been the custodians of WA’s water systems for more than 60,000 years.
“Traditional knowledge of water resources can teach us so much and is an incredibly important perspective as we look to the future,” Ms Willis said.
“Innovation, Aboriginal engagement and water efficiency underpin much of what we do at Water Corporation. This event brings all three together to hopefully inspire our next generation of sustainability champions.”
The workshops will take place in various locations from May 3 – 13. Participating schools include:
Perth’s central north: Aranmore Catholic College, John Forrest Secondary College, Mount Lawley SHS, Newman College, Perth Modern School and St Norbert College.
Perth’s north: Girrawheen SHS, Irene McCormack Catholic College, Mater Dei College-Edgewater, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, and Wanneroo Secondary College.
Perth’s south: Aquinas College, Fremantle College, Lumen Christi College, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School, Rossmoyne SHS, and Seton Catholic College.
South West: Bunbury Cathedral Grammar, Bunbury SHS, Collie SHS, Great Southern Grammar-Albany, Newton Moore SHS, and Our Lady of Mercy College (Australind).
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Media contact:
Water Corporation media team (24/7)
P: (08) 9420 2555
E: media@watercorporation.com.au
