The Yarra Riverkeeper Association exists to advocate for and steward the Yarra, Birrarung River and all her tributaries so that she can be healthy, protected and loved, now and into the future.

For almost two decades, we have been effective in advocating for her health and protection by working with communities, governments, businesses, academia, and media so that they better understand and act in her best interests as a living entity. We do this work in service of the Birrarung, her traditional custodians – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Peoples – and all Victorians.

We wholeheartedly support the Voice to Parliament. We believe that it is a crucial step towards empowering and amplifying the voices of First Nations people, providing them with a direct say in matters that directly impact their communities and lives. The Voice is also critical in the journey to heal Country.

The Voice is an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the ancient connection to the land and the invaluable knowledge that First Nations people possess. We urge all our supporters and other Australians to embrace this historic opportunity and participate in the forthcoming referendum.

As we grapple with the threats to our waterways through habitat destruction and species decline, as well as the climate crisis and water insecurity, we believe that recognition of the world’s oldest continuous living culture can only serve to strengthen our ability to walk together to heal Country.

On behalf of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association

Charlotte Sterrett, Yarra Riverkeeper & Warwick Leeson OAM, Chair