The 18th annual Threatened Species Art and Writing Competition is now open!
The competition, run in collaboration with Campbelltown City and Wollondilly Shire Councils, encourages students to learn about a local threatened plant or animal and represent it in an artwork or creative writing piece.
The competition opens today (Monday 21 July) and closes on Sunday 7 October. It is open to young people aged between five and 18 years who live in the Macarthur region.
The categories of entry include:
· Artwork: first, second and third prizes will be awarded in each age group, which includes five to six years, seven to nine years, 10 to 12 years, 13 to 16 years; and
· Creative writing: first, second and third prizes will be awarded in each age group, which includes 8 to 12 years and 13 to 18 years.
School prizes are also up for grabs within each local government area. Entries can be submitted through an e-Form on Council's website, can be dropped off at Council's Administration Building and will also be accepted by post.
Judging will be undertaken in September, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Wednesday 15 October at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre, Picton.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said the competition was part of Council's Biodiversity Month celebrations in September to raise awareness of threatened species and the challenges they face.
"It's amazing to know the Macarthur region, our own backyard, is home to such a wide diversity of native plants and animals," she said
"Unfortunately, many of these are at risk of extinction. We're hoping to raise awareness and show residents how we can all play a part in protecting the unique biodiversity around us.
