Power and Water Corporation has teamed up with Aboriginal rapper and 2019 Young Australian of the Year Baker Boy to produce a series of videos about sustainable water use in the Northern Territory.

In the videos, Baker Boy, who grew up in Maningrida and Millingimbi, inspires students to learn about where their water comes from and about Aboriginal peoples’ cultural connection to water.

He also encourages students to think about their role in their communities and achievable social actions to look after their water.

“Baker Boy is a great role model and we hope having him as the face of our program will encourage young people to save water where they can,” said Water Demand Manager at Power and Water, Jethro Laidlaw.

“We want the next generation to understand where their water comes from, and the very important role they have in making sure water continues to flow from the taps.

“In remote communities, preserving water helps allow people to continue to live on country, and in the major centres, it’s important we all start to value tap water more.”

Mr Laidlaw said water is a precious resource and everyone should use it responsibly.

“These new programs are also a great opportunity for students to learn from Aboriginal elders and Power and Water experts even though they are practising physical distancing,” he said.

Baker Boy said he was proud to be part of such an important initiative.

“I hope these videos can inspire the kids to take control of their environment,” he said.

“We can't live on country without water and we need our next gen to learn how to take care of it and not waste it.

“Learning where water comes from and how the whole water process works empowers our youth with knowledge!”

Two different versions of the program are available, one targeted at students living in remote communities and the other for students in larger towns, including Darwin.

The videos will complement student storybooks as part of the That’s My Water! curriculum unit developed by Power and Water to educate the next generation of water users.

The programs are designed to give parents and teachers flexibility in how they are delivered and can be run over a few lessons or an entire term.

It aims to give students aged between eight and 14 years a better understanding and deeper appreciation of water.

Since 2016, Power and Water has worked with partners including the Northern Territory Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Charles Darwin University and the Bureau of Meteorology to deliver school programs across the Darwin and Katherine area to more than 2,500 students.

The curriculum unit has been successful in introducing students to the idea of the water cycle and thinking about how water is treated and transported to their taps, while drawing strongly on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

This year, the program is branching out across the Territory to develop students’ practical knowledge and skills as well as empowering them to take action in their community.

Watch the videos and find out more at powerwater.com.au/thatsmywater.

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