South Gippsland Water (SGW) is inviting local students to get creative and help raise awareness about water conservation as part of the 2026 National Water Week poster competition. This year’s theme, “Water Heroes: Make Every Drop Count,” encourages children and students to explore the importance of water and the role everyone can play in protecting […]
South Gippsland Water (SGW) is inviting local students to get creative and help raise awareness about water conservation as part of the 2026 National Water Week poster competition.
This year’s theme, “Water Heroes: Make Every Drop Count,” encourages children and students to explore the importance of water and the role everyone can play in protecting this vital resource.
Entries for the competition close at 5pm on Friday 11 September 2026, with winners to be announced during National Water Week, running from 19–25 October 2026.
Managing Director Robert Murphy said SGW was proud to support the initiative and engage young people across the region.
“National Water Week is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation to think about the value of water,” Mr Murphy said. “The poster competition allows students to express their ideas creatively while learning how they can be everyday water heroes.”
The competition is open to children across Victoria, from early learning through primary school and now, for the first time, Year 7–8 secondary school students, marking an exciting new category for 2026. Students are invited to design, draw or paint a poster reflecting the theme. Entries must be the original work of the student.
Winners in the preschool and primary school categories will be judged on how effectively their posters communicate the theme or relevant water issues, their visual impact, and their creativity and originality in the use of art materials. The secondary school category will be assessed on a broader set of criteria, including clear communication of the theme, visual impact, technical skill, innovation, creativity, and the accuracy of any information presented.
Individual winners in each category will receive Officeworks vouchers as prizes to help with school supplies.
Mr Murphy said the competition is a great opportunity for both schools and families to get involved.
“Teachers and educators can use this as a valuable classroom activity in the lead-up to National Water Week, while parents can enjoy a fun and meaningful creative project with their children at home,” he said.
To support learning and participation, an Educator’s Guide has been developed, offering background information, discussion prompts and classroom activities aligned with this year’s theme.
For more information, to access the Educator’s Guide, and to submit entries, visit: https://www.nationalwaterweek.com.au/
SGW Board members and staff proudly raise the National Water Week poster competition flag at the Leongatha Wastewater Treatment Plant, where several improvement works are planned to ensure we ‘Make Every Drop Count’.