THREE Central Queensland students will have their creative works featured on the 2021 Farm Safety calendar.

More than 1500 primary school students entered the competition run by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, although only 12 creative pieces were selected to fill the 12 months of the calendar.

Moranbah East State School Year 5 student, Kiera Johnston will have her drawing about animal safety featured in October.

Anakie State School’s Amber Paulson, Year 4, drew a creative piece to highlight electrical safety, which will be featured in May.

Claire Murphy, Year 6, of Longreach School of Distance Education, has won the June spot with her chemical safety artwork.

Run every year, the Farm Safety calendar competition highlights important messages about working and playing safely on the land.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the creative calendars would serve as a year-round reminder of safety.

“The calendars are displayed on walls and fridges in homes and workplaces all year round, reminding us about safety in and around the farm,” she said.

“Tragically, in the first six months of 2019, there were 34 farm deaths reported in the Australian media — four more than in the same period in 2018.

“The research compiled by Sydney University’s Aghealth Australia also showed quad bikes were the leading cause of death at around one in every five.

“Even more tragic, six of the 34 deaths were children, with farm vehicles involved in four of those. There were another 67 non-fatal injuries on farms, nine involving children.

“That’s why we’re passionate about getting these homegrown safety messages out there, especially to young children and their parents.”

The free calendar, which features safety messages and illustrations about fire, the sun, water, electricity, animals, chemicals, and machinery, will be distributed throughout Queensland later this month.

Impressed by the quality of the winning entries, Ms Grace said the drawing competition was again a huge success

“Despite COVID-19 restrictions, more than 1500 youngsters entered, and the 12 winners have produced fantastic artwork which also delivers vital farm safety messages,” she said.

“I applaud everyone who lodged an entry.

“It is truly inspiring to see so many heartfelt safety messages and colourful drawings by talented young Queenslanders from all over the state.

“My thanks also go to the teachers and mums and dads who helped our budding safety ambassadors – you are all winners.”

The winners each receive a $250 gift voucher for themselves and $500 for their school.