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Waterwatch volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
Waterwatch is a program where the community has the capacity to make a valuable contribution to the protection and management of our local waterways through;
- raising awareness of key issues
- providing a forum to work collaboratively
- fostering ownership and responsibility
- fostering links between schools, landholders, industry and local and State Government agencies
- collecting information and pinpointing problems
- introducing river health issues through hands-on activities to classroom curricula
- More than 50 Waterwatch monitors
- 3 regional co-ordinators
- 80+ monitoring sites across south west Victoria.
- 8,000 participants in awareness raising and education activities
Waterwatchers join the program for a range of reasons. What they share is their awareness of their local environment and the willingness to do something to look after it.
But what really motivates them is their desire for their local rivers to be in the same or better condition for the enjoyment of all in the future. The action that each monitor takes is personal - and actions range from monitoring to restoration activities, educating others or becoming an advocate for the river.
How can I volunteer?
There are many different ways that you can volunteer your time, energy and enthusiasm with Waterwatch, and the program welcomes all new volunteers.
Waterwatch isn't just about monitoring - volunteers involved in Waterwatch are involved in planting trees, clean-up days, awareness raising through field days and festivals, and letting others know about their activities. You don't have to join a group to be involved.
Click here to contact your nearest waterwatch co-ordinator
Indicators of success
- support and involvement from all levels, particularly regional
- seen as key tool for managing river health
- flexible for community interests and issues
- increase in the use of the data
Support for community monitors
- human resources and training
- access to equipment, technical know how, data analysis
- connections to natural resource management agencies
- connection to other monitors