WetlandCare Australia Celebrates World Wetlands Day Nationally
Over $17,000 in prizes awarded for Wetland Art and Photography
The prize-winning artists and photographers in the 5th annual WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition were publicly announced and their work unveiled at the CSIRO Discovery Centre in Canberra on the eve of World Wetlands Day, Wednesday, February 1. Over $17,000 in prizes were awarded in this year’s competition, which received entries from every state and territory; a sign of the growing interest in and concern for Australia’s wetlands, and their importance to us all.
This competition is held annually to celebrate World Wetlands Day (February 2), a day of international significance which commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance some 40 years ago. The Ramsar Convention, to which Australia is a signatory, is an international treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Each year sees artists and photographers of all ages submit unique entries sharing their local and regional wetlands and waterways in the hope of spreading the word about the importance of wetlands to all Australians, as well having the chance to win some fantastic prizes.
Bronte Jordan, 1st prize winner in the Central West CMA Youth Art category said of her work Wetlands – more than meets the eye ‘Wetland areas are not just what they appear to be at first glance. I wanted to encourage tourists to take a closer look’.
A total of 45 prizes were awarded in the 2012 competition to entrants from as far afield as Kakadu, Launceston, Perth and Bowen, as well as many places in between.
The theme of the competition was Wetlands, Tourism and Recreation which reflects the international World Wetlands Day 2012 theme of Wetland Tourism. The prize-winning entries interpreted the theme in as many diverse ways as there are to enjoy wetlands; boating, bird watching, fishing and exploring, to name a few. The exhibition will be on display at the CSIRO Discovery Centre from January 31 until February 19, and will then move on to regional locations. The locations of regional exhibitions and an online gallery of the prize-winning works can be viewed from March 2012 on the WetlandCare Australia website.
WetlandCare Australia would like to thank our many sponsors, who have again ensured the success of this unique event, still the only national celebration of World Wetlands Day.
Below are some images from the opening night. A great time was had by all, and we are looking forward to the next exciting year of the competition.
WetlandCare Australia's General Manager Nicci Carter (left) with some of our sponsors: Andrew McIntyre, Manager, Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage; John Francis, A/ General Manager, Murrumbidgee CMA; Jen Shearing, Catchment Officer, Central West CMA; Megan Douglas, Director of Communications, Murray-Darling Basin Authority; Dorothy Barclay, Proprietor, Forrest Hotel and Apartments; and coordinator of the WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Comeptition, Liz Hajenko. Our thanks also go to the CSIRO Discovery Centre, who hosted the exhibition.
WetlandCare Australia would like to thank the Sponsors for their generous support
Thirteen Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) were established in 2004 by the NSW Government to coordinate natural resource management. They are the primary means for delivering funding from the NSW and Australian governments to assist local communities in improving, protecting and restoring natural resources across the State. CMAs work in partnership with farmers and land managers, Landcare and care groups, local government, government agencies, Aboriginal networks, contractors, businesses, and industry.
To read our feature story on the NSW CMA's sponsorship of the competition, click here
The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), Department of Premier and Cabinet works towards a healthy environment cared for and enjoyed by the whole New South Wales community.
OEH undertakes a range of conservation and natural resources science and programs, including native vegetation, biodiversity and environmental water recovery to provide an integrated approach to environmental protection and natural resource management in New South Wales.
One role of OEH includes environmental water management to ensure that people in NSW are able to enjoy our natural freshwater, coastal and estuary environments.
The Central West CMA works with regional communities to restore and improve natural resources. CMA's are responsible for ensuring that decisions about natural resource management are made with best available knowledge in a cost effective way. The Central West CMA involves local communities and key stakeholders to encourage the development of resilient landscapes. The CMA ensures that the knowledge and expertise within the catchment is used to help improve landscape function by maintaining resilience.
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is a statutory agency established by the Water Act 2007 to work with the Basin states to manage the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest.
MDBA is responsible for:
• preparing the Basin Plan and future amendments to the Basin Plan for adoption by the Commonwealth Water Minister
• implementing and enforcing the Basin Plan
• advising the minister on the accreditation of state water resource plans
• operating the River Murray system and delivering water to users in a fair and efficient way
• managing The Living Murray program, one of Australia’s most significant river restoration programs
• managing the Sea to Hume fishway program which aims to open up 2,100 km of the River Murray to free passage by native fish
• measuring and monitoring water resources in the Basin engaging and educating the Australian community about the Basin’s water resources.
The Queensland Wetlands Program supports projects and activities that result in long-term benefits to the sustainable management, wise use and protection of wetlands in Queensland. The tools developed by the Program help wetlands land holders, managers, and decision makers in government and industry.
The Program is a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland governments.
The CSIRO Discovery Centre, located in Canberra, is an award-winning, purpose-built complex for research, education and for the involvement and engagement of the Australian community in CSIRO's activities. It consists of two floors of working research laboratories; a major, interactive exhibition about CSIRO; the Green Machine Science Education Centre, a cafeteria and other meetings and conference facilities. All are set within a tropical garden atrium.
The philosophy behind CSIRO Discovery is for the communication and education of actual science research - its outcomes and achievements for Australia. CSIRO Discovery is intentionally aimed at a public audience above 12 years of age, although many aspects of the centre also appeal to younger age groups. Schoolchildren are an important target audience and these touring groups to Canberra now visit CSIRO Discovery from every state and territory in Australia throughout the school year. Discovery is open to the public every day except Saturdays.
Enjoying a cherished reputation built over more than 130 years of service, The Northern Star is the sole daily newspaper dedicated to the dynamic population of Lismore and surrounding Northern Rivers townships. The Northern Star is one of the largest private employers in the region and remains an integral part of this popular Northern New South Wales community. Catering to the diverse interests of Northern Rivers residents, The Northern Star focuses strongly on providing a voice for its readers, while keeping them up-to-date with local, national and international news. From sports results, property and rural news, to health, entertainment and travel, it’s all covered by The Northern Star.
Tourism Australia
SEQ Catchments
SEQ Catchments is a community-based, not for profit business working to deliver a sustainable future for our community.
We work with all levels of government, community and industry to secure funding for on-ground activities that deliver regional and national objectives for managing South East Queensland’s natural resources.
Our extensive partner network includes Landcare, catchment and community groups, Australian, State and Local Governments, water authorities, industry groups, educational and research organisations as well as Traditional Owners and individual landholders.
Golden Chain Hotels
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