About the Yarra Riverkeeper Association

We are a not-for-profit community organisation formed in 2004 by a group of citizens who love the Yarra River, and care for its future. Our aim is to protect and restore the Yarra River and its tributaries, from source to mouth, for current and future generations. We are a member of the growing and successful international Waterkeeper movement of community groups around the world caring for their local waterways.

What We Do

We tell the river's "story", highlighting its wonders and its challenges. We monitor its health and activities affecting it. We run educational events, river tours and give
informative presentations to schools, community groups, the authorities and businesses. We work closely with numerous government bodies and NGO's and advocate directly and through the news media for river care.

What We've Achieved

•  Established the first regular boat patrol of the Yarra

•  Delivered over 300 presentations and lectures

•  Spoken up for the Yarra in over 200 TV, radio and print media articles

•  Earned the reputation of being the pre-eminent voice of the Yarra River

•  Provided on-water inspection tours to over 200 community and business leaders and politicians

•  Instrumental in the State Government's decision to cap the amount of water extracted from the river and provide environmental flows

Our Vision:

A Yarra River with tributaries that is healthy, ecologically sustainable and valued by the community

Our Aim:

To protect and restore the Yarra River and its tributaries, from source to mouth, for current and future generations

Our Objectives:

  • to be an effective, independent public advocate for the Yarra River and its tributaries
  • to provide a unified voice, representative of the community, in relation to whole-of-river issues
  • to identify, create and implement initiatives that will protect and restore the Yarra River and its tributaries
  • to build and foster relationships with all stakeholders
  • to ensure integrated management founded upon stewardship
  • to build and make publicly accessible knowledge relating to the Yarra catchment to celebrate the ecological and social value
    of the Yarra River and its tributaries
  • to establish a realistic funding base that can support projected activities

Our Consititution:

For a copy of our Constitution, please download from HERE

Waterkeepers Alliance Video:

Waterkeeper Alliance // Join Us from W2 Films on Vimeo.