National Water Week
National Water Week makes a splash across Australia each year, inspiring communities and organisations to work together on water issues and future solutions.
It reminds us that water must be used wisely. It also celebrates the innovations and achievements that support Australia’s sustainable future.
Each year, a National Water Week theme is selected to spark conversations and bring water to the forefront of our minds. The theme for 2026 (19–25 October) is Water Connects Everything. It encourages people to look beyond water as a resource and recognise it as “the invisible thread connecting everything in our lives.”
Visit the National Water Week website to learn more about this year’s theme and previous themes.
How Cairns Regional Council is celebrating
Cairns Regional Council is celebrating National Water Week 2026 with a range of community activities that encouraged residents to learn more about where our water comes from and how we use it.
Children are invited to take part in a colouring competition showing “Where our water comes from!”. The competition includes two age groups:
- 5 years and younger
- 6–10 years
Winners will receive a Cairns Regional Council water merchandise pack, including a Sugarworld family pass.
Entries open: 9am | Monday, 19 October 2026
How to enter: Submit your entry by 12pm midday Saturday, 24 October at the Cairns City, Earlville or Manunda libraries front counter for your chance to win!
Download the colouring-in sheet.
Council libraries are hosting displays and activities to promote water literacy across the community. These included:
- water-themed book displays for children and families
- colouring-in competion sheets available
These displays support fun conversations about how drinking water is sourced, treated and supplied across our region.
Visit our team at the shopping centre activations to discover simple ways to save water at home and in the garden. Our friendly staff will be on hand to share practical water-saving tips, help you take a water-wise pledge, and answer your questions about using water more efficiently. Plus, take home some great water-wise giveaways.
- Redlynch Shopping Centre | Wednesday 21 October 9am - 12pm
- Earlville Shopping Town | Thursday 22 October 9am - 2pm






Last Updated: 16 October 2026
Latest News > All News
2027 Australia Day Awards nominations open
Every year, Cairns Regional Council recognises how important it is to acknowledge the people around you who are making a...
22 October 2026
Young innovators lead the way on sustainability
Cairns' next generation of environmental leaders have presented innovative sustainability projects directly to Councillors, showcasing practical solutions to challenges ranging...
20 October 2026
Getting active around Cairns
Active travel includes cycling and walking, and any transport that relies on human-power. Pedestrian walking paths and community footpaths provide...
15 October 2026