The competition was run over eight weeks in papers throughout the whole of the Great Lakes and Manning Valley areas, and involved collecting and posting away coupons that gave helpful advise on how to conserve water.

The washing machine was the only prize for the competition and Bev and Peter were ecstatic that they won out of so many entries.

"I have never won anything like this in my life, but the New Year must have changed my luck because I also recently won a hamper in Peter's RSL raffle," said Bev.

General Manager of MidCoast Water, Neil Hanington, travelled down from Taree to present the prize to the lucky couple on Wednesday, January 4.

"This was the first year this type of competition has been run, beginning in Water Week in October and carrying on for eight consecutive weeks," explained Mr Hanington.

Mr Hanington added that he plans to run the competition again next year as it was very successful and encouraged people to conserve water.

"The competition is aimed at increasing awareness on saving water, and the sales of front loader washing machines are on the increase as they are very water efficient, using 20 litres instead of 50 litres," he said.

The prize of the front loader washing machine is worth over $1000 and was organised by MidCoast Water and Retravision in Taree.

Bev said she had always wanted to try a front loader washing machine as her daughter and daughter-in-law swear by them and they are known to be fantastic with saving water.

"I can't wait to try it out, I am going to give my old washing machine to my son and use the new one straight away," she said.

Bev and Peter would like to thank MidCoast Water for running the competition and delivering the machine, and would also like to say thanks to Retravision at Taree for helping to organise the prize.