The Newbridge Community Hall was the place to be on Saturday 23 November with more than thirty community volunteers celebrating ‘20 Years of Waterwatch’.

Mr Damian Wells, North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) CEO, said the day was a chance for the CMA to recognise the Waterwatch program and the important work undertaken by volunteer community monitors. 

“In north central Victoria alone, more than 50,000 hours of volunteer time has gone into monitoring water quality since the program began in 1993.  The data collected provides organisations, such as ours, information regarding water quality from local rivers and waterways which help support our projects. The program also helps community members become involved in waterway management.”  

Mr Wells confirmed the National Waterwatch program was initiated by the Commonwealth Government, after growing community concerns regarding the quality of water in our rivers and creeks. 

“The program grew quickly, with over 500 groups actively monitoring waterways across Australia in the first year.  The program continues to grow and now supports over 60 individuals in the North Central CMA region.  The program also raises awareness within communities about water related issues in the environment,” said Mr Wells.

Uncle Graham Atkinson, Chair of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and a respected leader in both the Aboriginal and wider community, provided a Welcome to Country.  Dr Amber Clarke, from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI), was also in attendance and spoke of the important role Waterwatch and Estuarywatch play in the new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.

Ms Cass Davis, North Central CMA’s Regional Waterwatch Facilitator, said a highlight of the celebration was students from the Baringhup Primary School performing with a focus on ‘Keeping our Waterways Healthy.” 

“The day was all about celebrating the efforts of ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things across Victoria.  Everyone is working towards a common goal; improving catchment health.  Each monitor received a plaque as a small token to thank them for their contribution to natural resource management in the north central region,” concluded Ms Davis.

Waterwatch is funded through the DEPI’s Victorian Investment Framework and Local partnerships, including the City of Greater Bendigo, Rochester Water Services Committee, Shire of Campaspe and Coliban Water.   

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au