During January, Shoalhaven City Council put on Tapstar, a series of water wise educational shows for primary school children in the area. Held at a local shopping centre, the theatre play featured water saving mascot – Tapstar, and a host of other characters, including Fred Faucet and the Drippettes.
The Tapstar show is a 12 month project funded by Council and the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS).
Shoalhaven City Mayor, Councillor Greg Watson, said the play is mainly about water conservation while having fun and enjoying music and theatre with children.
“With the current drought effecting much of New South Wales, it is timely to remind people and especially our children that there are many ways we can save water and learn better water saving techniques in the home or while on holidays,” Mayor Watson said. “What better way to help the Shoalhaven become one of the premier water management Councils in Australia than through a primary educational program such as Tapstar. Education is about fun and creating a willingness for children to learn.
“This new theatre has also been performed at various schools in the Shoalhaven.”
The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company worked with local high schools to develop ideas for the new character and production. Students and local performers then participated in a series of workshops to develop characters and also come up with storyline ideas.
Shoalhaven Water’s Acting Director, Bill Tomkinson, said the theatre and education kit have now been authorised by the New South Wales Department of Education and the show will be performed throughout the Shoalhaven over the next 12 months.
“Music is an integral part of the production and the new Tapstar is sure to strike a chord with young children,” Bill Tomkinson said. “We hope that this play will help create great water management skills in our children. As everyone is aware water is a precious resource that we need to conserve.”
The program also includes an educational kit for school teachers to help implement water saving and water consciousness among children.
For further information contact Bill Tomkinson on (02) 4429 3222.
