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Members
There are already large numbers of people and organisations doing an outstanding job to help our rivers. These include people involved in voluntary on-ground works, members of conservation groups, individuals who regularly clean-up foreshores, employees of environmental organisations and regular river-users dedicated to river protection.
In June 2008, the Environment Minister recognised more than 70 community members and groups for their outstanding achievements in protecting out Swan and Canning rivers by making them Honorary River Guardians.
Learn about the people already looking after the rivers and their foreshores, by clicking on the names below to find out more.
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Members
There are already large numbers of people and organisations doing an outstanding job to help our rivers. These include people involved in voluntary on-ground works, members of conservation groups, individuals who regularly clean-up foreshores, employees of environmental organisations and regular river-users dedicated to river protection.
In June 2008, the Environment Minister recognised more than 70 community members and groups for their outstanding achievements in protecting out Swan and Canning rivers by making them Honorary River Guardians.
Learn about the people already looking after the rivers and their foreshores, by clicking on the names below to find out more. |
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The black swan has always been the iconic guardian of our rivers.
The Swan River was named by Dutch explorer, Willem de Vlamingh in 1697, after the famous black swans of the area. When the Swan River Colony was established, the black swan was adopted as the traditional emblem. They appeared on Government papers, bank notes, postage stamps and other publications such as the Swan River Guardian - the colony’s first newspaper.
The black swan was used on the original State Crest, prior to the granting of the Warrant for the State Coat of Arms and was proclaimed as the bird emblem of Western Australia on 25 July 1973.
Aboriginal legend tells of black swans transforming into Bibbulmun tribesmen.
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Brian Aldrich is an Honorary River Guardian whose fourteen years of service towards river protection, through numerous volunteer projects, has seen him become an integral part of natural resource management in Perth.
His childhood in South Africa and close relationship to his grandfather, "sowed the seeds of interest in the environment". When he immigrated to Australia, Brian completed a course on bush regeneration before volunteering for weeding and revegetation projects in South Perth.
Brian went on to work with the Canning Catchment Coordinating Group, acting as their South Perth representative, before this group became the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL).
SERCUL was formed in 2003 as an independent natural resource management body in Perth, Western Australia, bringing together the community, business and government to develop and implement projects that improve the health of our waterways and other ecosystems.
Brian is now the SERCUL deputy chair and sits on two sub-committees - the Phosphorous Action Group and Funding Allocations - for natural resource management projects. Brian said using the rivers for recreation, such as running and cycling, encouraged him, "to want to put something back".
His recognition as an Honorary River Guardian, by the previous ministers of Environment, and Racing and Gaming demonstrates how one individual can make a difference to keep our rivers healthy.
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 | Jo is a shining example of what being a River Guardian is all about. She has dedicated many years to the Canning River Regional Park as a volunteer. This has involved regenerating large areas along the Canning River, coordinating planting days, organising guided walks and childrens’ activities, and working with State and local government and community groups.
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 | As owner of the Guildford Town Garden Centre, Joanne has introduced a number of river-friendly products to her range and advocates sustainable garden principles and practices to all her customers. Being passionate about her local environment, Joanne understands how her businesses’ activities can impact on the health of the environment - especially the Swan River, which is only 200 metres away.
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Noel Nannup has been a friend of the Swan and Canning rivers all his life. He is dedicated to teaching and sharing indigenous information about the rivers and the rich cultural heritage of his people. Noel is linked to the Swan River through his father, Charles William Nannup who was born near Mundaring Weir.
Noel’s friendly and approachable personality saw him become the first Aboriginal Ranger in the State, at Yanchep National Park in 1978, he also worked at Nambung, Kalbarri, Geike Gorge and Millstream National Parks. This work inspired him to study Cultural Heritage in Canberra for two and a half years. Since then, Noel has worked as a community liaison officer and played an instrumental role in developing land management courses at Universities and TAFE colleges.
He has also played an active and leading role in reconciliation, believing that we can move into the future together by “looking ahead through the past.” In 2007, Noel was appointed to the Swan River Trust board by the Environment Minister. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in indigenous land management and cultural issues.
His work has included the mapping of ancient Nyoongar dreaming trails. Noel hopes that one day these trails will become Cultural Corridors to be used by all Australians.
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