The Shorebirds Competition soared to great heights in 2024. Over 2,400 entries from primary students in Years 3 to 6 flew in from towns and cities across Australia , representing all States and Territories. The competition provided an opportunity for students to learn about an important group of Australian birds whose populations are in decline and celebrate the 2024 theme for National Science Week: Species Survival.
Participants were asked to design a postcard featuring a shorebird and mail it to ANSTO. On the back they included a message explaining why their chosen shorebird species is amazing or provided an interesting fact about their bird. To support students, the competition website provided information on shorebirds, the list of Australian shorebirds to choose from, and explained how to make a postcard. Free lessons linked to the Australian Curriculum for science, geography and English were also available on the website to support teachers.
The age categories of Years 3-4 and Years 5-6 were judged separately. Students could enter with their school or as individual entrants. The judges carefully considered both the artwork on the front of each postcard, as well as the message on the back. They had a challenging task selecting winners from the many outstanding entries received.
Congratulations to all winning students and schools. Check out the winning entries in the galleries below. These students will each receive a certificate and gift card. Winning schools will also receive educational resources of the teacher’s choosing.
Certificates of commendation will be also awarded to students who demonstrated high achievement, but who missed out on a prize. View our commended students for Years 3-4 (PDF, 104.86 KB) and Years 5-6 (PDF, 107.47 KB).
We thank the 73 schools (PDF, 133.03 KB) and many students who participated in the Shorebirds Competition 2024. Your great work has helped to raise awareness of the diverse species of shorebirds that share our shores and wetlands across Australia. For every postcard received, 50 cents will also be donated to BirdLife Australia to support their vital shorebird conservation work.
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 on the Shorebirds Competition, please contact competition@ansto.gov.au
