Young Water Heroes invited to enter Coliban Water’s 2026 poster competition
Coliban Water is inviting young artists across the region to step up as Water Heroes by entering the 2026 National Water Week Poster Competition.
The annual competition encourages preschool and primary school students to design a poster inspired by a water-related theme. This year’s theme, Water Heroes Make Every Drop Count, invites young people to think creatively about the value of water and the small everyday actions that help protect it.
Executive Manager Customer and Stakeholder Experience, Lauren McLean, said the competition continues to be a creative way for children to engage with water conservation and sustainability.
“In recent years we’ve received close to 300 entries from across the region, which shows how strongly young people are connecting with the message of valuing water,” she said.
“This year’s theme encourages students to think about how simple actions, like turning off taps, noticing leaks or using water carefully at home and school, can all help make a difference.”
Entrants are encouraged to reflect on how water supports homes, food production, local environments and healthy communities, and how everyone can help make every drop count. The competition is now open and closes at 5pm on Friday 11 September, with winners announced during National Water Week from 19–25 October.
Poster entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, communication of water-related issues and connection to the theme. Age categories include early learning/kindergarten, while primary school entries will be judged in Prep, Grade 1–2, Grade 3–4 and Grade 5–6 categories. Prizes are available for first, second and third place in each category, with first place winners progressing to the state competition where they could win up to $100 in gift vouchers.
Every preschool and primary school that enters will also go into the draw to win $250 toward a sustainability project.
In 2025, Epsom Primary School won the school prize draw and used the money to install a weather station and digital tap timers, helping staff remotely switch off sprinklers after rainfall and avoid overwatering.
Coliban Water is proud to deliver this initiative with support from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Schools Water Efficiency Program, helping inspire the next generation to value and protect our precious water resources.
More details about the competition, including entry, are available by emailing communications@coliban.com.au