Dubbo's Central West Leadership Academy hosted an inaugural Wurimbirra, science, technology, engineering, maths and arts program (STEAM), four-day workshop last week.
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Wurimbirra is the Wiradjuri word to preserve and protect.
The aim of the workshop was for students to learn about the preservation and protection of water and water sources, a particularly relevant topic as the drought increases its hold in the Central West.
Students from Dubbo's Central West Leadership Academy collaborated with Sydney's Santa Sabina College to focus on the topical subject of water preservation and water source protection.
Santa Sabina College is a Catholic, Dominican, independent day school for girls and boys up to year four and a girls-only school from years five to Year 12.
The academy was joined by 30 girls from Sydney's Santa Sabina College in Dubbo where they explored security using STEAM.
The workshop started at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where students experienced the Zoo Snooze and learnt about Aboriginal perspectives on water.
The event aimed to equip the students with a powerful, take-home, message that; by increasing water sustainability in our own lives, we could impact others to do the same.
Students then attended art workshops at the academy to develop ideas to help them to understand and express water sustainability concerns through the Arts.
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Local artists Jack Randell and Cassandra Gibbs ran mural marking and Aboriginal Storytelling through workshops respectively for the students.
This immersive STEAM-based learning experience culminated in a performance showcase by students on day four at the academy and the Macquarie Conservatorium of Music.
Academy Principal, Mandi Randell, said; It's essential to engage students from both the city and country in conversations around water security.
"Students were engrossed in critical and creative deep-thinking around water and found connecting science through the arts a transformative, fun and educational experience," Ms Randell said.
"It is vital and enriching for our students to get out and experience the wider world and take every opportunity to investigate big issues facing their generation and use their drive and creativity to help make positive changes for their futures."
Dubbo Ballet Studio Principal Anna Bloomfield, who was also involved, said she was thankful for the opportunity.
"Thank you for equipping our kids with the skills and knowledge they'll need all too soon," Ms Bloomfield said.
