Kids in the Macarthur region are invited to learn about local threatened species and create artwork highlighting the plight of some of our region’s special plants and animals as part of this year’s Threatened Species Art Competition.
The competition aims to raise awareness of Biodiversity Month in September and Threatened Species Day on September 7.
Kids are invited to draw, paint or collage an A4 picture of a threatened species found in the Macarthur region and submit it to Council with an entry form attached. Entries will be judged in the following age categories: 5 to 6 years; 7 to 9 years and 10 to 12 years; with all entries being showcased at HJ Daley Library during Biodiversity month in September.
First prize is a family pass to Symbio Wildlife Park and a game and book packaged valued at $120; while second and third prize is a $50 eco book package.
The aims of the competition are particularly relevant this year, following two recent sightings of the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea), near two waterways in Blair Athol. The green and golden bell frog is considered an endangered species in NSW and a vulnerable species nationwide.
This species of frog has never before been sighted in Campbelltown, with the closest sightings taking place in Hammondville, Holsworthy and Liverpool. Such rare sightings have prompted the Commonwealth Department of Environment to classify the species as ‘Presumably Extinct’.
The competition highlights the diverse habitat of the Macarthur region, which includes vulnerable and endangered plants and animals such as the koala, the brushed-tailed rock wallaby or spiked rice flower. Raising awareness of these species helps to increase their chances of survival.
Threats to these species include habitat loss, weeds, poor water quality, bushfires, or the impact of human activities such as bushwalking, trail bike riding and four-wheel driving.
Entries close on Friday, August 22, and should be addressed to: Environment Unit, Campbelltown City Council, PO Box 57, Campbelltown NSW 2560. Alternatively, entries can be hand delivered to Council’s Civic Centre, corner of Queen and Broughton Streets, Campbelltown.
For more information, including a full list of animals and plants that are classed as threatened species in the Macarthur region, visit campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/ourenvironment or phone 4645 4000.
