After three years of collaboration, Greater Western Water (GWW) and Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA) have entered into a formal partnership.
The partnership between the water services corporation and the community organisation dedicated to protecting and improving the health of the Maribyrnong River, is focused on educating local residents so they have a better understanding of water management.
GWW strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said the partnership would allow both organisations to achieve more together.
“Our organisations share a commitment to the wellbeing of our communities and the long-term health of our waterways,” Ms Thomson said.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work together on projects that benefit our communities, like water literacy initiatives, and exploring alternative water sources to promote waterway health and resilient ecosystems.”
MRWA operations and advocacy lead Dr Nicole Kowalczyk said water literacy was becoming one of the most important skills for communities in a changing climate.
“By helping people understand how water is managed, where it comes from, and how their actions influence river health, we build stronger, more resilient catchments.” Dr Kowalczyk said.
The partnership builds on the Water Think Tank, a community forum established in 2023 where representatives from across the Maribyrnong River catchment area can meet to share experiences and discuss its future.
MRWA and GWW are now expanding the Water Think Tank to build a deeper cultural awareness of the Maribyrnong catchment through collaborations with First Nations digital storyteller Brett Leavy and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to virtually map waterways across the catchment area.
The two organisations came together on 1 December to celebrate the new partnership by taking a trip down the river on the Maribyrnong River Tram Boat.
As part of the new partnership, the MRWA will be running a series of boat tours for members of the community as well, offering them the chance to learn about the importance of the Maribyrnong River and looking after it and other urban waterways.
For more information on the boat tours, visit: https://maribyrnongriver.org.au/tramboat-on-maribyrnong/
For more information about Greater Western Water’s community partnerships, visit :https://www.gww.com.au/about/community/partnerships/community-partnerships
