Student’s artwork makes waves for water education
by Water Source
In celebration of National Water Week, one Western Australian water utility has released a children’s picture book that dives deep into the future of water.
With the help of budding local artists, Busselton Water produced Hydro and Lily Save Busselton’s Water, which explores the real-world issues of climate change, limited groundwater supplies, and water-wise behaviour changes.
The book follows Hydro and Lily as they embark on a journey to save the water in Hydro’s home — the Yarragadee aquifer — from disappearing.
Twenty-one students from four local schools — West Busselton Primary School, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School, Geographe Education Support Centre and St Mary MacKillop College — contributed artwork to create the book.
Busselton Water Managing Director Chris Elliott said now is the time to educate children about current and future water issues, as they will become tomorrow’s leaders.
“Quite simply, our climate is drying and our groundwater is being used too quickly,” he said.
“These are just some of the issues we’re trying to educate our community about and what better way to do that than with a children’s book, created by students themselves.”
Elliott said the book would not be what is is without the art work of contributing students.
“This will be a lasting legacy of National Water Week 2020. Thank you to the many students for their artistic skills in bringing this book to fruition,” he said.
The Busselton community was also invited to participate by entering the cover art competition with the winning entry receiving more than 500 votes.
“And a special congratulations to Bella Coates, who took out the prize for the community cover art competition — well done Bella!” Elliot said.
Copies of the book will be donated to the schools involved and limited copies will be made for viewing at Busselton Water’s head office.
Interested in taking a look? View Hydro and Lily Save Busselton’s Water here.
The book is also available to read online at busseltonwater.wa.gov.au
