GWMWater ran a water conference for Year 9 and 10 students today. The conference was titled “Is OUR water use sustainable today, tomorrow and beyond” and was streamed live across the high speed AARNet3 network and onto the internet thanks to assistance from the University of Ballarat and AARNet.
The conference was the second in a three-year program designed to empower secondary students with knowledge about water issues, while at the same time exposing them to an adult-style forum.
For several months students have been working on research to challenge their thinking about
current water use for themselves as an individual and as part of a local community, but also as
part of Australia and the big picture. Prior to attending the conference students have investigated what changes, if any, need to be made to ensure a sustainable future for themselves and their children.
Dimboola, Charlton, Warracknabeal, Edenhope, Ararat and Horsham College students gave presentations on their findings at the conference.
“It is often difficult to obtain the perspective of our young people in the community. Through
this event GWMWater aims to obtain a youthful perspective of water issues and future
directions,” said GWMWater Managing Director Jeff Rigby.
“Students will also be provided with the opportunity to join a web based committee for a year
to further discuss water issues, ensuring that the voice of youth continues to be heard by the
GWMWater Board.”
As part of the lead up to the conference students submitted a written report for publication
and a poster for display. Delivery of student findings at the conference and discussion groups provided students with the opportunity to investigate questions posed on the day and provide valuable feedback.
Keynote speaker Olivia Rajit from Melbourne Water shared her experiences with water in her home country of Malaysia.
The conference was held at the University of Ballarat Horsham Campus and is supported
by the Victorian State Government’s Smart Water Fund.