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.