For over two years, Kirsten McLeod has dedicated her time to waterway monitoring on the Merri Creek in Melbourne, driven by curiosity, learning and a passion for connecting people with their local environment. “It’s a good sense of perspective to think about what these waters have been through—storm water drains, industrial waste, and new developments—before they reach us.”
Kirsten’s involvement began with no prior science background, but her enthusiasm for learning has made her a regular at monthly monitoring sessions. “At first, the idea of water testing felt foreign, but I’ve learned so much from the biologists, chemists and great communicators who share their knowledge,” she says.
She finds joy in observing the aquatic life and understanding why certain species thrive while others do not. For Kirsten, these experiences offer not just learning but a deeper connection to her community and environment. “It’s a reminder of the countless volunteer hours that have kept these waterways from being lost to concrete. It’s not perfect (Merri Creek), but it could be so much worse without all the work that has been carried out.”
The impact of Kirsten’s work goes beyond data collection. Passersby often stop to chat, their curiosity sparked by the activity. “We’ve had kids and families who might not commit formally but leave with a new appreciation for their local creek,” Kirsten says. She also highlights the power of collaboration, where she invited a colleague and expert in water-sensitive urban design to speak with her WaterWatch group. “It was an eye-opener to see someone connect the dots between housing developments and their impact on waterways. It humanised the issue, showing that while there are challenges, there are also solutions.”
Looking ahead, Kirsten shared some fantastic ideas for WaterWatch. To help increase community engagement, water monitoring groups could share highlights from their sessions on local social media pages. For example, they might feature an interesting water bug discovered during monitoring or explain a notable physical or chemical parameter. These posts could provide a brief, accessible explanation to help the public better understand what’s happening in their local waterways.
Thank you Kirsten for your passion, interest and time dedicated to Merri Creek in Melbourne.
