Celebrating 30 years of waterway citizen science

WaterWatch began in 1993 and, in 2023, celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The work that EstuaryWatch and WaterWatch volunteers deliver is invaluable to the long-term management of waterways in Victoria. Their tireless efforts have established long-term water quality datasets for many priority waterways. This data gives waterway managers critical information to help inform management decisions. Local volunteers in regional communities also play an important role in bridging the gap between invested community members and environmental authorities.

Since 1993, 1,581 sites have been monitored by over 4,300 WaterWatch citizen scientists.

Celebrating 30 Years of Waterway Citizen Science
For 30 years WaterWatch has been helping people get in touch with nature and make a difference for their local waterway. Many volunteers have been monitoring for the entire 30 years!

Outstanding Service Award ceremony and recipients

30 Years of Waterway Citizen Science was marked by a statewide celebration taking place at St Anne’s Winery near Bendigo during March 2023. The event recognised the contribution of citizen scientists across the state with an Outstanding Service Award ceremony that celebrated their dedication and contribution to the program.

It was a rainy but beautiful day in the North Central catchment as citizen scientists and coordinators from across the state gathered to recognise the incredible efforts of WaterWatch and EstuaryWatch volunteers.

The afternoon began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Djaara, Elder Aunty Marilyne Nicholls, followed by a speech from North Central CMA CEO, Brad Drust, who then presented the Outstanding Service Awards to the citizen scientists that made the trip to Bendigo.

A big thanks goes out to North Central CMA for hosting everyone in their beautiful part of the world and for a fantastic sit-down dinner to celebrate WaterWatch in their region.

Become a citizen scientist volunteer

Citizen scientists are people who want to make a difference to the environment and their community. You can be part of this movement by taking part in programs like WaterWatch and EstuaryWatch. The EstuaryWatch and WaterWatch programs host many community events throughout the year.

To find out how to become a WaterWatch or EstuaryWatch citizen scientist volunteer in your region please contact us.

Citizen scientist on a Gellibrand River tour