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Liquid
Gold
Press
Release
20th
February 2008
PENNY
WONG LAUNCHES CHILDREN'S BOOK ABOUT RIVER MURRAY
Minister
for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong,
has launched a collection of writing and art by
children from across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Liquid
Gold is an anthology of children's stories, poetry
and artwork about water and environmental issues
affecting the Basin.
Launched
at Ainslie Primary School in Canberra, the book
is the culmination of a year's work at schools
across the Basin through the Murray-Darling Basin
Commission's (MDBC) Special Forever program.
Special
Forever is an award winning educational program
that allows children to learn about the ecological
and natural resources systems that are such a
big part of their lives.
Senator
Wong said the words and pictures in Liquid Gold
provided adults with a timely reminder of the
gravity of the challenges facing the Murray-Darling
Basin.
"The
poetry, prose and paintings in this book tell
the story of the impact that water shortages are
having on the environment and the families of
these children," Senator Wong said.
"Their
work reminds us that climate change and water
shortages are intergenerational challenges and
we must take action to prepare Australia for the
future".
The
launch was hosted by MDBC Chief Executive Dr Wendy
Craik, Ainslie Primary Principal Jo Padgham and
the Primary English Teaching Association President
Margery Hertzberg.
Some
of the children read out their published works
to Senator Wong and their art work decorated the
school.
The
Special Forever program aims to give children
a sense of belonging and pride in the Basin, a
greater discussion of the Basin in schools and
families and a greater awareness of the topography,
land use, cultural heritage and flora and fauna
of the Basin.
Copies
of Liquid Gold are available from the MDBC. Call
(02) 6279 0434 or email info@mdbc.gov.au
Profiles
Murray-Darling
Basin
Penny
Wong
Nature
Environmentalists
and the environment
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