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2022 Shorebirds Competition Summary and Results

The ANSTO Education Team was proud to host the fifth annual Shorebirds Competition, which ran from 22 March to 12 August 2022. Students in Years 3 to 6 across Australia were invited to create a public awareness poster highlighting an important wetland or coastal habitat (found in their local area or State/Territory) and one of Australia’s amazing 54 species of shorebirds. Students were also asked to elaborate on what the message shown on their poster means to them.

Lesson plans, linked to the Australian Curriculum for Science, Geography and English, were provided to assist teachers. Information sheets for students on shorebirds and wetlands were also available. More information about the competition and educational resources can be found on the webpage here Shorebirds Competition 2022 | ANSTO.

Entries were received from 67 postcodes across Australia and, pleasingly, all eight States and Territories were represented (see competition web map). Nearly 1200 students across the nation participated. Schools could submit 5 entries per class and 333 entries were received from over 60 classes. An additional 74 entries were submitted by individuals, bringing the total number of entries received to 407.

All entries were assessed by an expert panel. In addition to strong artwork, the judges were looking for accurate representations of Australian shorebirds and habitats. Slogans and messages were also carefully considered and needed to demonstrate correct understanding of either a migratory or resident shorebird.

Overall, the judges were very impressed by the thoughtfulness and creativity demonstrated by the many students who participated and congratulate them for their fine efforts. There was a wide variety of approaches demonstrated, as well as many shorebird species and wetlands showcased, making judging an extremely difficult task. All prize-winning posters are shown in the galleries below. A new category for best slogan or message from each State or Territory was also introduced this year.

In addition to the prizes above, certificates of commendation will be awarded to students who demonstrated considerable effort in researching and creating their posters, but who missed out on a prize.

We thank all our participating students and schools and give special thanks to the many dedicated teachers and parents who created a conversation around this important environmental topic and inspired children to learn and achieve.

We gratefully acknowledge The Overwintering Project, a project for adult artists, as the source of inspiration for this competition and for their continued support. This important project raises awareness of our migratory shorebirds and their habitats across Australia.

For enquiries, please contact [email protected]


ANSTO contributes world-class environmental research on wetlands. Recent ANSTO research on waterbirds and wetlands can be found here Read more about  ANSTO research on waterbirds and wetlands.

Winners Y3-4 Individuals

1stWen Wen CStrettonQLD
2ndHarper HSt Andrews BeachVIC
3rdAlana TGreenbankQLD

Highly Commended Y3-4 Individuals

HCAiden HNewingtonNSW
HCWillow DSorrento WA
HCChelsea YGordonNSW
down arrow competition - insects

Winners Y3-4 Schools

1stEthan VMt Martha Primary SchoolVIC
2ndGoran OSt Josephs Catholic Primary School ComoNSW
3rdMegan YPLC SydneyNSW

Highly Commended Y3-4 Schools

HCCate YPLC SydneyNSW
HCAva DSt Josephs Catholic Primary School OatleyNSW
HCIvy MKangaroo Island Community EducationSA
down arrow competition - insects

Winners Y5-6 Schools

1stCarla LWilderness SchoolSA
2ndHeidi JBold Park Community SchoolWA
3rdZoe LCrossmaglen Public SchoolNSW

Highly Commended Y5-6 Schools

HCJessica MWilderness SchoolSA
HCAnnabel RWilderness SchoolSA
HCOlivia TSt Finbar's Catholic Primary School, Sans SouciNSW
down arrow competition - insects

Winners Y5-6 Individuals

1stSofina HSunnybankQLD
2ndMilla HCairns QLD
3rdGrace LTelopeaNSW

Highly Commended Y5-6 Individuals

HCYolanda YGordon NSW
HCChloe KEppingNSW
HCEvelyn KDundasNSW
down arrow competition - insects

Best slogan or message

For the first time, the Shorebirds Competition 2022 offered a prize for the best slogan or message that highlighted how special the chosen shorebird and area are in a student's State or Territory. The slogans and messages of the winners of this award in 2022, showed a connection to, and appreciation for, their chosen shorebirds and wetlands.

NTChloe HLarrakeyah Primary SchoolI flew to find peace only to watch my species slowly decrease.
TASAmy GLeganaThere is no shore-r way to protect than with your respect.
QLDConnor TGreenbankShorebirds return every year to enjoy the warm sun and beauty of Moreton Bay.
WAMaggie RKimberley PEAC, Cable Beach Primary SchoolCome to Roebuck Bay to see the Ruddy Turnstone in the pindan clay.
NSWAmalia FBoorowaCattai wetlands. Come to see this lily-hopper. The Comb-crested Jacana is a real showstopper.
SAHayley BKangaroo Island Community EducationPlease help save the Eastern Curlews on Kangaroo Island beaches.
VICZoe MAltonaI fly 15,000km to visit Altona Coastal Park. Why don’t you join me?
ACTJoshua OCanberra Grammar SchoolRoses are red, violets are blue, if you deserve a life, shorebirds do too.