Misha Lee, Robert Lawes, Vanessa Bradley (centre), (right back row) Katrina Mackinnon, Nyssa Bull, Jen Benfell, (front row) Simonne Moretta.
Camera IconMisha Lee, Robert Lawes, Vanessa Bradley (centre), (right back row) Katrina Mackinnon, Nyssa Bull, Jen Benfell, (front row) Simonne Moretta. Credit: Supplied/Bec Pileggi

St Columba’s PS students raise awareness about Bayswater wetlands through art and recycling project

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

ST Columba’s Primary School students are hoping to raise awareness about the Bayswater wetlands through an art and recycling project.

Local artist Vanessa Bradley headed the Wetlands Through the Ages project, where 57 students from Years 1 to 6 researched the historical, cultural and environmental aspects of the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary.

The project was part of the City of Bayswater’s inaugural Community Art Program, aimed to promote a sense of community.

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Students transformed their stories and ideas into drawings and drew their final images on to milk cartons.

Kindergarten and pre-primary classes helped create a bottle-top timeline with plastic bottle tops.

During two terms, guest speakers including City of Bayswater environmental officers, Aboriginal storyteller Carol Foley and Environmental House scientist Rachael Roberts delivered presentations to the students.

The school unveiled the project on June 6, which was attended by Deputy Mayor Stephanie Coates, Councillors Dan Bull and Catherine Ehrhardt, Halliday House representative Linda Bullow and parents.

Bradley said the project ended on a high following the State Government’s commitment to save the Bayswater wetlands.

“It was a really beautiful process…the project reflects four significant stages of land use in this area through the ages – six seasons, pioneer settlement (farming the land along the Bayswater foreshore), landfill/tip site and protected wetlands,” she said.

“The work depicts a visual timeline of how the land use has changed through the ages.”

The children’s artwork will be displayed at the Milne Street entrance to the school until June 30.

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