Art Competition helps raise awareness of our growing Little Penguin colony
The Little Penguins of Eden community group, led by the passionate Wendy Noble, is on a mission to conserve and protect the Little Penguins of Twofold Bay, with the goal of nurturing a thriving colony for generations to come. As part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness in the local community about the importance of this conservation project, we’re excited to announce a special Art Competition!
A Look Back at the History of the Little Penguins of Eden
In the 1900s, the Eden headland was home to a flourishing colony of Little Penguins. At its peak, an estimated 1,000 birds—around 500 pairs—called the headland their home. Sadly, by the 1980s, this thriving population was decimated by feral animals and domestic dogs.
However, over the past few years, the Little Penguins have started to return. With the help of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), efforts have been made to protect their habitat, including the gazetting and fencing of a reserve near Eagles Claw. This dedicated work has helped the Little Penguins during their breeding season, and last year, a small but successful fledging season took place.
As we look toward the next breeding season, we’re thrilled to see the penguins return once again to prepare for what’s ahead.
The Art Competition: A Chance to Get Creative and Support Conservation
We recognize the vital role the Eden community plays in ensuring the future of the Little Penguin colony. That's why we’ve teamed up with Eden Marine High School and Eden Public School to host an Art Competition, inviting local youth to engage with this important project through their creativity.
Competition Details
Open to: All children from Kindy to Grade 12
Theme: The Little Penguin Colony of Twofold Bay and Their Environment
Start Date: Monday, July 28
End Date: Friday, August 22
Judging: The artwork will be judged by two talented local artists.
Awards Ceremony: Saturday, August 30 at the Eden Log Cabin. Councillor Clair Mudalier will be presenting the awards, and all are welcome to attend!
Click here to find out more here on our Art Competition.
Support from Local Businesses
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the local business community, who have donated amazing prizes for the competition:
Art Supply Hampers from Eden Discount Store and Merimbula Extra Newsagency
Gift Vouchers from Office Choice in Merimbula and Bega
Art Classes from Jill Francis at The Makers Room, Eden
Whale Watching Tours from Sapphire Coastal Adventures, Eden
A Lasting Impact on the Community
After the competition closes, all submitted artwork will be displayed at local libraries across the Bega Valley Shire, beginning with Eden Library. This exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity for our youth to engage with the local community while learning more about our marine environment and the role these local conservation projects play in sustaining our local ecology.
Our Heartfelt Thanks
This competition would not be possible without the support of Eden Marine High School, Eden Public School, our amazing sponsors (Eden Discount Store, Merimbula Extra Newsagency, Office Choice, The Makers Room, Sapphire Coastal Adventures), the Bega Valley Shire Council, and, of course, our fabulous local artists who are volunteering their time to judge the artwork.
We look forward to seeing the incredible creativity of our young artists and to sharing the beauty of the Little Penguin colony with the wider community. Don’t miss out on the chance to participate, and please spread the word to your friends and family!
