Clarence Valley Preschoolers learn how to be water wise

Preschool children in New South Wales’ Clarence Valley are benefitting from an expansion of the Waterwise Schools Program, following a successful trial. Last week, students at the Cubbyhouse in Townsend were the first of 2022 to take part in the extended Waterwise program, which will now travel to preschools across the Clarence Valley.

Designed to teach and inspire young children about water use and conservation, the free program is delivered by a trained educator and aims to motivate the preschool community to become more water-wise. 

While the primary school program has been running in the Clarence Valley, Bellingen, Kempsey, and Coffs local government areas since 2007, the preschool version was successfully trialled at Gummyaney Aboriginal Pre-School in Grafton and Coutts Crossing Preschool late last year. 

Clarence Valley Council’s Director Environment and Planning Adam Cameron says the program lays a positive foundation for young students and supports their contribution to a more sustainable future.

“We are thrilled to be launching the program in preschools and working with students at such a critical time in their learning,” Mr Cameron said. 

“The trial clearly demonstrated these children were keen to learn.”

The Waterwise Schools Program is run in the Clarence Valley as a collaboration between Clarence Valley Council and Cascade Environmental Education Centre, a school near Dorrigo.

Intended to be interactive, fun, and educational age-appropriate, the focus is on a range of water focused activities, art, and experiences.

Local preschools are encouraged to contact Clare at the Cascade Environmental Education Centre on 02 6657 4188 if they would like to participate in the Waterwise Schools Program.