About Us

‘Choosing to save a river is more an act of passion than of careful calculation. You make the choice because the river has touched your life intimate and irreversible way, because you are unwilling to accept its loss’.

David Bolling

Founded in 2022, the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA) is a values-driven community-based organisation that advocates for the health of rivers and creeks in the Maribyrnong catchment. We advocate for the river itself, for the communities that depend on it, and for the myriad of health and well-being benefits that come with our interaction with the waterways and surrounding parklands. MRWA brings the needs of the river into the public domain, challenges the community and government to act and puts forward pathways for action. We are a not-for-profit organisation with a paid staff and volunteer Board. We are independent of the government and transparent in our decision-making.

We seek to partner with Traditional Owners to ecologically restore the river and share the cultural stories of the waterscapes and surrounding country. Every day we work to make this possible, through green roots advocacy to improve planning controls, environmental flows, stormwater quality, and amenity. We educate and engage with the community, organise on-the-ground programs to restore the rivers and creeks in the catchment, and fundraise to increase investment into enhancing these sacred waterways.

Join the Team

For internship & volunteer opportunities, please email
info@maribyrnongriver.org.au

The Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association Strategy

The Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA) is an organisation dedicated to protecting and improving the health of the Maribyrnong River and its surrounding waterways. As part of its mission, MRWA has developed a comprehensive strategy that outlines its objectives and priorities for the coming years. The MRWA strategy focuses on several key areas, including improving water quality, enhancing the river’s biodiversity, and promoting sustainable use of the river and its resources. By working collaboratively with other stakeholders, including local governments, community groups, and businesses, MRWA aims to create a healthy and thriving river ecosystem for the benefit of all who live, work, and play in the Maribyrnong region.