Waterwise Schools Education Program: three decades and over 430,000 students strong
Hillarys Primary School students celebrating 30 years of the Waterwise School Education Program
Hillarys Primary School's Year 5 class has recently stepped into the spotlight as the Waterwise Schools Education program celebrates its 30 year milestone. What started in 1995 Hillarys Primary School, has grown into one of WA's longest-running environmental education initiatives, having reached more than 431,000 students since it began.
Hillarys Primary School Students participating in a waterwise activity
From humble beginnings to interactive learning
Many of us remember school as a time for curiosity, learning, and play. It’s a key time when we begin to learn our role in the world.
In 1995, Hillarys Primary was our very first Waterwise School. The program has grown into a comprehensive suite of resources and experiences, it delivers the science and stories of water conservation straight to the classroom.
Our Waterwise Schools Education Program focuses on long-term education and change. Encouraging students, their families, and communities to value and protect water resources. By nurturing curiosity and knowledge from a young age, we empower young people to be informed contributors toward a sustainable future in their communities.
The program's key features now include:
- Curriculum-linked learning materials designed for Pre-Primary to Year 10
- Hands-on incursions with pop-up tents and silent-disco style headphones
- Digital tools and lesson plans that relate directly to STEM and Humanities & Social Sciences
- Cross-curriculum connections include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and the Caring for Country sustainability framework.
Students learning about reverse osmosis
Honouring traditional knowledge
Leda Primary School students learning about Water in Aboriginal Culture
The Water in Aboriginal Culture incursion is one of the program's most popular offerings. In these sessions, students explore over 60,000 years of water wisdom. They learn about the strong cultural and spiritual bonds that Aboriginal people have held onto for generations.
Why waterwise matters more than ever
Deanmore Primary School students learning about water supply and conservation
The program's success is now more important than ever. Summers are getting longer and hotter, and rainfall is less reliable. Climate change is seriously impacting our water sources, making conservation vital. By teaching students to value responsible water use, we help them form lasting habits. This way, we can ensure a secure water supply for future generations.
For the 24/25 Financial year we have engaged with almost 40,000 students. and are on track to engage with 50,000 young Western Australians every year by 2030. A key initiative for this year will be to expand the Waterwise Schools Education program to Regional WA. This means tailoring a localised program which includes resources and professional development to support regional teachers to confidently teach about the world of water. The team will be testing and trialling the program before rolling out in the Great Southern Region in 2026. This goal aligns with the WA Government's Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Perth Action Plan 3). It supports the vision of turning Perth into a top waterwise city and Peel into a leading waterwise region.
Water Minister Don Punch shares his thoughts on the program "Educating students from a young age empowers future generations to make informed, sustainable decisions about water use. With climate change putting pressure on our water sources, these lessons have never been more important."
Education Minister Sabine Winton adds "Waterwise Schools is real-world learning in action. It enriches STEM and humanities lessons, equips teachers with engaging resources, and inspires critical thinking about sustainability and community responsibility."
Become a waterwise school
Are you a teacher, parent, or community leader wanting waterwise education in your school?
Our Partnerships and Education Team can help!
Visit our our waterwise schools education program page to learn more