NATIONAL Water Week 2022 runs from Monday 17 to 23 October and Bellingen Shire Council has announced an innovative competition to draw attention to the importance of good, clean water.

Everyone in the community is invited to get involved and have some fun.

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In naming the competition Splash Fiction, the Council has taken inspiration from the popular Flash Fiction genre, which is typically a very short story form.

Tying into the theme of this year’s National Water Week – Our Water Stories – the Splash Fiction competition encourages people to write a story about water in fewer than 300 words.

Prizes will be awarded for first place and highly commended entrants.

The short story competition opens on Monday 17 October with judging to be undertaken by the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival.

Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr Steve Allan, stressed the importance of a good, clean water supply.

“National Water Week is about promoting awareness of the value of water and inspiring everyone in our community to recognise that every drop counts.

“Access to clean water is hugely important to our daily lives, and it’s down to all of us to protect our water environment and resources and to use water wisely.”

Council is also welcoming the community to take a look at our water supply up close, with free tours of both the Bellingen and Dorrigo water treatment plants to be held during Water Week, though please note that registration is essential.

“It’s great for people to see where our water comes from and learn more about the water cycle,” said Mayor Allan.

“It’s such a precious resource that we often take for granted.

“We’ve got to keep building our understanding and awareness, and respect for our amazing rivers and landscapes that provide us with so much.”

The Bellingen Library will also feature a book display focused around water with a range of literature suited to all ages, including younger children.

Find out more about the Splash Fiction competition and details on how to enter, and register for a Water Tour at https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Community/Water-Resilience/National-Water-Week

For community enquiries about Water Week activities, contact Council’s Water Resilience Officer on 6655 7300 or at council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.

By Susan KONTIC