Students across the region are being encouraged to turn their imaginations to the topic of water with the launch of a new creative writing competition from MidCoast Council.
The National Water Week Junior Writing Prize offers primary, secondary and homeschool students in the MidCoast the opportunity to explore the vital relationship between water and our world through the mediums of short story, poetry or creative non-fiction.
Visa gift cards will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the following three categories:
- Primary school (K-6)
- Junior High School (7-9)
- Senior High School (10-12)
A gift voucher to the Sitting Wombat book shop in Forster will also be awarded to one highly commended entry in each category.
Council's Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said the competition offered something different from Council for National Water Week this year.
"When it comes to educating and engaging children about the subject of water, a lot of what we do is science-based, which is great for those kids who are attracted to that way of thinking," he said.
"What's exciting about the Junior Writing Prize is that it gives kids who are more inclined towards creative pursuits an opportunity to think about and explore the essential role that water plays in their lives in a format which suits them.
"At the end of the day everyone needs water and we're excited to read how young local writers interpret and explore that idea."
The competition is open now and students have until Friday 3 October to submit their entries. The prize-winners will be announced on Wednesday 22 October 2025, during National Water Week (20-26 October).
To enter or find out more, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/water-wiser-hub/junior-writing-prize
In addition to the Junior Writing Prize, Council will be holding a range of regular events for National Water Week this year, including tours of treatment facilities, Whizzy visits to libraries, schools and early learning centres, Water Night and more.
To stay up-to-date with these events and more, subscribe to Council's weekly newsletter 'News Wrap' at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/
