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The Neil Rankin Award for primary school children aims to encourage children’s understanding of the natural environment using the Wolli Creek Valley as a resource. Groups of children from primary schools and community groups are eligible to enter. The Award, which was made possible through a donation from Danny Rankin to honour her late husband Neil Rankin – ‘the Birdman of Wolli Creek’, will be presented in November 2009.
Notices are sent to all primary schools in the catchment area. If you are the parent of a primary school child or are otherwise involved with a local school, please encourage them to participate. |
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Details of Competition
History of the Neil Rankin Award
The Neil Rankin Award was established in 2004 with a $5,000 donation by Danny Rankin to honour her late husband.
The purpose of the Award is:
- to promote positive and informed attitudes towards the environment and encourage children’s enjoyment and understanding of the natural world.
- to encourage the use of the Wolli Creek Valley as an environmental resource and a place of exploration and discovery.
- to provide opportunities for creative expression about experiences related to the Valley and the natural world.
About Neil Rankin
Neil Rankin, known to many locals as the ‘Birdman of Wolli Creek’, was a teacher, school principal and inspector with the NSW Education Department. After his retirement in 1982 until his death in 2001, he devoted much of his time to documenting the birds in the Wolli Creek Valley. His book, ‘Neil Rankin’s Birds of Wolli Valley’ (2006) is a valuable resource for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike.
Neil was committed to environmental education and to sharing knowledge with young people. He regularly conducted bird watching walks through the Valley and visited schools. He was an active campaigner who helped save the Valley from motorway development.
The aim of the 2009 Rankin Award is to develop an understanding of the world of birds and the importance of the Wolli Valley to their survival.
The entry could be a school project within a HSIE topic such as Local Environment, Mini Worlds or Wet and Dry Environments or it could be incorporated into English (a narrative, report or description), Creative Arts, Technology or Information Communication.
Community organisations could base their entry on a visit during excursions.
Projects could include:
- a banner or mural
- a powerpoint presentation (max 12 frames)
- a film or filmed performance (max 5 minutes)
- a series of photos or posters (max 6 x A3 pages)
- a story (max 6 x A3 pages)
- a game
Topics could include;
• Why I live in the Wolli Valley (a bird's perspective)
• What I saw flying over the Valley (bird's journey map)
• A study of one Wolli bird species
• An imaginary bird (how it differs from Wolli birds)
• Nest making – how to build, what to use
• Indigenous style dot paintings like a bird’s aerial view of the landscape
• What birds saw in Wolli before Europeans arrived
• Who are Wolli birds’ friends and foes?
• A bird’s tour guide to the Wolli Valley – where are the best spots to visit?
• How we made our playground bird-friendly
• What will the future be like for birds in the Valley?
Selection criteria
Entries should
• be based on a visit to the Valley.
• demonstrate group involvement and participation in planning and carrying out the project .
• show children’s creativity and imagination in developing a presentation to share with their peers.
Only group entries will be accepted and ONLY ONE ENTRY PER CLASS
Who is eligible to enter?
Primary age children from government and non-government primary schools or community organisations, such as after-school and vacation care centres or scout/guide groups located in the Wolli Creek Catchment and adjacent areas (ask if unsure).
There will be 3 categories for schools –
Stages 1, 2 and 3 and a special category for community organisations.
Prizes
1st place $250 in each category
2nd place $150 in each category
3rd place $100 in each category
Awards presentation will take place during November 2009 – details of date and venue will be sent to all entrants. All participating groups will be invited to the presentation and will receive a certificate of participation.
NB : Any entries with photos of children must be accompanied by permission for reproduction in the media and online.
Judging
The judging panel will be persons experienced in environmental education and children’s activities. The decision of the panel will be final. The Award is administered by Wolli Creek Preservation Society (WCPS).
Other assistance
Contact us regarding the possibility of guided walks for school groups and school visits and class presentations. Advanced notice is essential and events depend on availability of WCPS volunteers. A donation to the Society would be appreciated.
For further information contact info@wollicreek.org.au or Judy Finlason on 9559 2821.
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