The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) today congratulated Humpty Doo Primary School for winning the Be Crocwise in Schools Award in Darwin last night.

PWCNT community engagement manager Emily Findlay said the new Award category was one of several handed out at last night’s annual Keep Australia Beautiful Territory Tidy Towns Awards.

“We are a proud sponsor of the new Award and congratulate Humpty Doo Primary School for becoming the inaugural winner,” Ms Findlay said.

“The prize includes a custom-made steelwork trophy and a visit to the school by the PWCNT crocodile management team.

“The Be Crocwise campaign aims to make people aware of the risks posed by saltwater crocodiles while emphasising that these incredible animals have a special place in the culture, economy and environment of the Northern Territory and across the Top End of Australia as a whole.

“Many schools are starting to drive their own saltwater crocodile awareness campaigns within their communities, including Berry Springs Primary School and Nightcliff Primary School who were also finalists at this year’s Be Crocwise in Schools Award category.

“Teachers and students are dong fantastic work inside and outside their classrooms to make sure that everyone is aware of the risks posed by saltwater crocodiles.

“PWCNT staff were shown clever movie clips and beautiful artwork and have heard some amazing stories and songs about salties.

”Some classes are even including crocs as part of their outdoor education, excursions and science and maths studies.

“It is wonderful to see many schools and community groups are recognising that crocodile safety and education is everybody’s business.

Go to www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise for more information about Be Crocwise.

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Media note – For further information/interviews please contact Emily Findlay on 0475984572