THE first Mornington Peninsula Art Competition “work in progress” by students at St Joseph’s Primary School, Sorrento is under way.
The competition has been designed to raise awareness among students and the community on how to care for the peninsula’s marine environment and shoreline precincts.
The school’s entry has been inspired by environmental advocate and past Mornington Peninsula Shire Citizen of the Year Josie Jones, known for diving for rubbish under Flinders Pier.
Ms Jones was also a recipient of the local Hero Award in the Australian of the Year Awards in 2020.
Sustainability leader at St Joseph’s Primary School, Jane Byrne, is encouraging the students to create a collage and to draw and paint as part of their entry into the competition.
The potential removal of 180metres of a wooden section of Flinders pier has alerted the Flinders community and other community organisations across the peninsula to the importance of caring for the local marine life and coastal precincts.
Renowned conservationist Sir David Attenborough brought international attention to the issue by expressing his concern for the welfare of the weedy seadragon, which lives among seabed grasses at the pier.
Trish Hurley from the Save Flinders Pier committee said she was looking forward to exhibiting selected works and the winning entries at peninsula libraries and Rosebud Plaza over the Easter school holidays.
“The competition’s aims complement the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s school’s environmental educational programs on zero waste and reducing marine and foreshore debris as well as engaging students in a variety of art, language and science activities,” she said.
Students across the peninsula can participate in the competition and individual or whole class works can be entered focussing on marine ecology, environmental issues impacting the marine environment or the recreational use of the piers, jetties and other built features in their area.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 1 March 2022
