Skip to main content
Swan River Trust
River Guardians are supported by the WA Government and the Swan River Trust
News and information about the River Guardians program
 
Home > Pages > News   Keep our rivers healthy
Go Search
News
Love of the rivers spurs on 700th River Guardian
Sunlight glints off the glassy surface of the Swan River as Phillip Davey skilfully manoeuvres his kayak around the Nedlands foreshore. It’s 9am and while the city is buzzing, on the river it is quiet, with the soft slap of oars in the water and the occasional bird call is all that disturbs the morning peace.

This has been a morning ritual for the 65-year-old semi-retired draughtsman and member of UWA’s Sport and Recreation Association for the past year, a time to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Mr Davey recently became the 700th member of River Guardians, a community engagement program coordinated by the Swan River Trust. River Guardians gives members access to free events, information and networking opportunities with other members who share a deep love for Perth’s rivers.

Mr Davey said his decision to become a member was based on a long-time love affair with the rivers, including a move to the riverside suburb of Shelley from Cottesloe 40 years ago.

“I live near the rivers, my kids swum in it as babies and now we walk around it with our grandchildren,” he said.

It is free to become a River Guardian. Members can also become involved in Dolphin Watch, joining volunteers like Mr Davey to help unlock the secrets of one of Perth’s most iconic species.

More information on River Guardians is available from https://www.riverguardians.com/, by emailing guardians@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au or calling 9278 0900.

[more >>]
River Guardians Autumn River Festival Photo Competition
On 28 March 2010 the Autumn River Festival, a fun and entertaining family-oriented community festival will be held at Riverside Gardens Bayswater surrounding the shores of the beautiful Swan River.
The Swan River Trust's River Guardians program is coordinating a photographic competition for the event, open to all amateur photographers.
The theme of the competition is: Perth's iconic rivers - show us what you love about the rivers
Prizes will include:
First prize - $350 Camera Electronics voucher
Second prize - $150 Camera Electronics voucher
Thirty submitted photographs will be on display in the River Guardians marquee at the Autumn River Festival. The winning entries will also appear on the River Guardians website.
The photography competition opened on 18 January 2010 and closes 12 March 2010.
For entry forms and Terms and Conditions please call or email Shannan 9278 0927 or shannan.beal@dec.wa.gov.au
[more >>]
Newsletter no.2 - September 2009
This edition has a dolphin theme to celebrate the launch of our Dolphin Watch Project. Also meet our 500th River Guardian and find out why wetlands are so important.

You can download your copy in PDF format here (2.89 MB).

Also in this edition
  • Fauna facts
  • Dolphin Watch
  • Member profile
  • River Watch contacts
  • DNIP project
  • Events 

Dolphin Watch

For many of us spotting a dolphin is an uncommon but welcome treat.

Perth’s dolphins always draw a crowd, particularly at the bridges,
as cyclists, tourists and residents stop to marvel. Recently the River
Guardians team had a fantastic experience with two bottlenose
dolphins in the Swan River. The dolphins played in the bow wave at
the front of the boat, at one point leaping high out of the water! They
stayed with us for 15 minutes and it was a truly special experience.

We noticed a fishing hook and line cutting into the fin of one of the dolphins (right).

Unfortunately this animal has since died and the cause of death may possibly be attributed to bacteria entering the blood stream through
the entanglement wound. A vivid reminder that while we can enjoy fishing in the rivers, we need to remember to dispose of rubbish
carefully as it can be a hazard for wildlife.

Thank you

Thank you to those who participated in our River Guardians online
survey. The research showed that many members have become more
river friendly since joining the program and the satisfaction rate for our
program was high.

Thank you to those who contributed great ideas which we hope to use in the program in the future. Congratulations to Kim Lilly who won the $250 Myer voucher for her participation.

E-newsletter?

Please advise us if you wish to receive the next newsletter electronically if you haven’t done so already.

See you around the rivers

Marnie Giroud
Program Manager

[more >>]
New river guardians
The brand new River Guardians Program was launched on Sunday, June 22 2008 at the Melville Water Polo Club in Bicton.

More than 75 people were given honorary membership in recognition of their excellent work to protect the Swan and Canning rivers.  

Funding provided by the Gaming Community Trust allowed the program to go ahead.
[more >>]
River Guardians set for Red Bull Air Race

Boasting a world-class location over the Swan River, the Red Bull Air Race will bring the stunning natural environment we enjoy in our own backyards to the international stage.

At this year’s event, which will come to Perth on November 1 and 2, River Guardians will be out and about showing how we can all help care for our rivers and foreshores.

Visit the River Guardians marquee on the South Perth foreshore to find out how you can become a member, or for more information on protecting our precious waterways.

You’ll also have the chance to meet Jon the Swan, the feathered face of the program.

Keep reading for more information on Red Bull Air Race and how you can become a River Guardian.

Meet Jon the Swan

Jon is the new River Guardians mascot. Check out our What’s on section to find out where you can see Jon around town. The black swan is the icon of Perth’s Swan and Canning rivers. Jon will play an important role in educating the community on how they can protect his natural environment and help keep our rivers healthy.

Jon the Swan
[more >>]
Froggy fun for River Guardians

River Guardian members got a closer look at some of Perth’s fabulous frogs at a special members-only event on September 20.

Hosted by ‘Frog Doctor’ Johnny Prefumo, the event included information on types of frogs found in the area and frog calls followed by a frog hunt along the Canning River.

A special froggy gift and supper completed the fun.

Become a River Guardian and you will be sent a calendar of other exclusive member-only events. Free one-year memberships are on offer until the end of the year.

[more >>]

 ‭(Hidden)‬ News

Love of the rivers spurs on 700th River Guardian 
by Marnie Giroud
 22/02/2010 14:35
 
River Guardians Autumn River Festival Photo Competition 
by Rachel Hutton
 25/01/2010 14:52
 
Newsletter no.2 - September 2009 
by Debbie Gemmill
 1/10/2009 11:42
 
New river guardians 
by John Warrington
 9/01/2009 10:12
 
River Guardians set for Red Bull Air Race  
by Emma Jack
 4/12/2008 15:06
 
(More Announcements...)
share your stories join us what's on