Local Water Heroes recognised as students achieve statewide success
Published 19 October 2026
The winning artworks brought this year's theme, Water Heroes: Make Every Drop Count, to life, highlighting how simple everyday actions can help protect our precious water resources.
Students from preschool to Year 8 created drawings, paintings and digital artworks to share their ideas for a more water conscious future.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Strategy and Community Tiffany White said students embraced the theme in a range of imaginative ways.
"We had so many fantastic entries come through this year, and the standard was incredibly high,” Ms White said.
"What stood out was how thoughtfully students connected the theme to everyday actions, showing that being a water hero can be as simple as using water wisely at home, school and in the community.
“The competition gives students a hands-on way to explore the value of water and the simple actions we can all take to make every drop count."
Students from Melbourne's north and east claimed six state titles across seven categories, including first place finishes for Korin Korin Child & Family Centre, Nizi (Presbyterian Ladies' College Early Learning Centre), Mincheng (Mill Park Primary School), Isla (Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School) and Victor (The University High School).
Saniya (Glendal Primary School) was also recognised at a state level, placing third.
Winners – Yarra Valley Water region and state-wide
Preschool - Collaborative
• 1st: Korin Korin Child & Family Centre and 1st in Victoria
• 2nd: Goodstart Early Learning Ringwood
• 3rd: Baby College Ashwood
Preschool - Individual
• 1st: Nizi (Presbyterian Ladies' College Early Learning Centre) and 1st in Victoria
• 2nd: Kate (Alfred Nuttall Memorial Kindergarten)
• 3rd: Anya (Burwood Heights Primary School Kindergarten)
Foundation
• 1st: Liya (Glendal Primary School)
• 2nd: Kit (Reservoir West Primary School)
• 3rd: Arthur (Glendal Primary School)
Years 1-2
• 1st: Mincheng (Mill Park Primary School) and 1st in Victoria
• 2nd: Macy (Mill Park Primary School)
• 3rd: Anna (Sofia Art for Kids)
Years 3-4
• 1st: Isla (Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School) and 1st in Victoria
• 2nd: Scofield (Wheelers Hill Primary School)
• 3rd: Anya (Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School)
Years 5-6
• 1st: Saniya (Glendal Primary School) and 3rd in Victoria
• 2nd: Arham (Glendal Primary School)
• 3rd: Lacey (Mullum Primary School)
Years 7-8
• 1st: Victor (The University High School) and 1st in Victoria
• 2nd: Yueke (Ruyton Girls’ School)
Winners received a $150 Dymocks gift card, while second and third place recipients received gift cards valued at $100 and $50 respectively. Essex Heights Primary School was also awarded a $500 gift card through the random prize draw.
"Congratulations to all of this year's winners and to every student who entered," Ms White said.
"To see students from Melbourne’s north and east recognised across almost every category in the statewide competition is a fantastic achievement and reflects the talent, effort and enthusiasm they brought to their entries.
"It's inspiring to see so many young people using their creativity to share important messages about water. Every entry demonstrated how small actions can add up to make a real difference, and we look forward to seeing the next generation of water heroes continue to lead the way."