Student Competition:

Splashback! Art for Aquatic Action

Hello budding artists!
‍
This competition invites students across New South Wales to explore and celebrate the unique aquatic fauna that are currently under threat of extinction. Through art, students will learn about the importance of protecting our threatened species, their habitats and actions underway to help recover them.

All entries will be featured at an Exhibition at the Gaden Trout Hatchery’s Visitors’ Centre in Jindabyne on Saturday 14^th November (learn more about the Exhibition here).
‍

Why is this important?

Of the 300 animal species which are threatened and at risk of going extinct in NSW, nearly 20% (or 1 in 5) live under the water for either all or part of their lifecycle.  

Not many people are aware of this. It’s a case of ‘out of sight’ so ‘out of mind’.

Many of our aquatic threatened species are small and cryptic – and not all fish! Meet a couple of them below...

Stocky Galaxias

Stocky Galaxias is a small freshwater fish endemic to Kosciuszko National Park. This critically endangered species is currently known to only occur in the headwaters of two cold, fast-flowing alpine streams above 1,400 metres. About 8cm long, Stocky has a stout body and mottled brown markings that provides camouflage among the gravel and cobble streambeds they call home.

Its primary threats include climate change, introduced species and rising water temperatures. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing habitat, captive breeding, locating new sites for wild reintroductions and raising awareness of this tiny fish’s plight.

Alpine Redspot Dragonfly

Did you know that the Alpine Redspot Dragonfly, recognisable by its vivid red abdominal markings and clear wings, is also a threatened aquatic species because its egg and nymph stages rely on the splash zone of waterfalls in the mountains? Larvae develop over several years underwater, making them highly sensitive to disturbance and changes in stream flow.

This dragonfly is an important bioindicator of alpine ecosystem health yet sadly only 7 of these fascinating creatures have been recorded in NSW since the 1950s.

Riek's Crayfish

As the highest altitude species of crayfish in Australia, Riek’s Crayfish only live in freshwater alpine wetlands in Kosciuszko National Park which freeze over in winter. Typically found under rocks and plants in deep burrows along stream margins, it plays a vital role in ecosystem function by recycling organic matter.

This tough crayfish is the definition of a survivor; as with most freshwater crayfish species, the female carries her eggs then her newly-hatched young under her tail for about seven months. Sadly, as a slow-growing species which produces few offspring, this crayfish is particularly vulnerable to population declines caused by habitat declines and competition with the Common Yabby.

How to Participate

Eligibility: You must be between the ages of 4 and 18. Students can participate in the competition by completing the following three steps.

Step 1: Investigation

Begin by researching one or more aquatic species that are currently threatened in NSW. You may choose a species from your local area or investigate one you’ve never encountered before.

‍

Your research should include:

Where the species is found.

Reasons why the species is under threat (e.g. habitat loss, disease, invasive species).

Conservation efforts i.e. what is being done to support its recovery.

Step 2: Design

Create an artwork that visually represents your chosen threatened aquatic species. In your artwork, you can focus on the species, its habitat, the challenges it faces, and/or actions underway to help its recovery.

Artworks can be created in the following forms:

Drawing, painting, or mixed media (collage).

Sculpture (using materials such as clay, wood, or metal).

Diorama or 3D display.

Note: Entries may be created individually or as a class group project.

Step 3: Educate

Submit a short written piece (50–150 words) alongside your artwork.
‍

Introduce the species you’ve chosen.

Explain why you selected it and the key threats it faces.

Present key facts to help inform and educate the audience.

Submitting your Entries

In-person entries and online entries are to be submitted by 3pm on Wednesday 5th November.

In the Snowy Monaro Region

If you are a student in the Snowy Monaro region, please submit your entry to Berridale Public School, Cooma Visitors Centre or Snowy Region Visitor Centre ensuring your entry is clearly labelled with your name, school and entry category.

Staff from DPIRD Fisheries will collect submissions prior to the exhibition. All students from these schools will have the opportunity to collect their work from the Gaden Trout Hatchery following the event.

Outside of the Snowy Monaro Region

If you are a student outside of the Snowy Monaro region, please submit your entry online using the form below.

Judging Process and Prizes

Entries will be reviewed against the following categories:

Primary School:

Best Individual Infants entry (K-Y2)
Best Individual Primary entry (Y3-Y6)
Best collaborative artwork (2+ students) including class entry
School with most entries

High School:

Best Individual High School entry
Best collaborative artwork (2+ students) including class entry
School with the most entries

‍

Prizes:

Winning entries in the individual and collaborative categories will be awarded “Stocky Stockings” packed full of fishy flavoured goodies such as hats, water bottle holders and lures.

Family Fun Splashback Day at Gaden Trout Hatchery

All competition entries will be proudly displayed at our special Splashback Exhibition Day on Saturday 15th November 2025 at the beautiful Gaden Trout Hatchery on the Thredbo River.

Bring the whole family along for a day of celebration, learning, and fun! 🎉

See the exhibition and admire the incredible artworks and entries on display.
Enjoy a FREE family lunch.
Take a guided tour of the hatchery and discover the fascinating world of our unique aquatic species.
‍Win awesome giveaways throughout the day.

Competition winners will be announced during the event, so don’t miss out on the excitement!

Come celebrate creativity, community, and conservation in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.

Additional Resources

School resources for teachers:

‍

Acknowledgements

This competition is being run by the Australian River Restoration Centre on behalf of the NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development with grant funding from the Australian Government's Saving Native Species Program. The following organisations are involved in its organisation and management: