BERNADETTE Thomas proudly accepted the Land Care Australian Government Community Partnership Award on behalf of the Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) at the awards held in Sydney last month.
The Merri Creek restoration project is the work of many people, over many decades who have worked hard to restore and protect the inland water way which meanders across sometimes crown land, sometimes private, sometimes densely populated growth corridors and sometimes infrastructure projects.
The MCMC pioneered a collaborative approach to its creek restoration projects beginning in the 70’s by combining community engagement, education and specialist technical advice to volunteers, land managers, and decision-makers with a reach over nearly 400 square kilometres.
Traditional Owners of the lands of the Kulin nation also care deeply about the Country and Local Government Authorities (LGA’s) which feature the defining Merri Creek tributaries include Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) and the City of Whittlesea.
Metropolitan Councils include the City of Hume, Moreland, and Darebin, as ultimately the Merri Creek meets the Yarra River at Dights Falls in Melbourne, before joining Port Phillip Bay.
Upper Merri Landcare Facilitator and Merri Creek Management Committee member Chris Cobern spoke to the Review.
“We entered the Victorian Land Care awards last year, and we won two of those and that automatically nominated us into the national awards,” he said.
“The Merri Creek headwaters start in Heathcote Junction.
“It is fed from around the top of Hidden Valley; Mittagong creek is one of the first main tributaries. They run down through Wallan East, Upper Plenty and through Melbourne.”
The Wallan Environmental Group (WEG) formed in 2004 and became an incorporated entity in 2013 so has to apply for funding to assist the project.
Since 2023 it included the Hidden Valley Environment subcommittee and Mr Cobern said in May, the MCMC helped found the Beveridge Environment Group.
At MSC’s recent meeting, Councillor Claudia James carried a motion that the Merri Creek Management Committee be congratulated on winning the award and it was carried unanimously.
“This is a very well-deserved award,” she said.
“I lived on the Merri Creek [in North Fitzroy] before it was just a drain, and I came back many years later to live in Northcote and I couldn’t believe the change in that creek.
“It was amazing to get out of suburban Northcote, (on your bicycle) and ride for miles along that creek.
“It really lifted you…and for that reason, I understand the importance. In dense housing developments, to maintain your sanity, you really need somewhere to escape and feel a million miles away.
“What they have done is amazing.”
Ms James said the Merri Creek Model is influencing many fellow environmentalists and the latest engagement is with a new Darebin Creek Management Committee.
Congratulations to all the other 2025 National Landcare Award winners.
To get involved, visit mcmc.org.au.
