the comfort of water

It was wonderful to attend the Warburton launch of The Comfort of Water - a river pilgrimage, by local author, Maya Ward, held at Yarra Valley Showcase.

Pictured left to right: Keith Sarah - proprietor of Yarra Valley Showcase, Maya Ward - author and Cr Samantha Dunn - Lyster Ward, Shire of Yarra Ranges.

The book is a true story of Maya's journey along the Yarra River from the sea right through to the source of Melbourne's most loved river.

Maya was joined by 3 friends on the journey and it was inspiring to hear some of her tales of the people she met along the way.

Maya made special mention of the Shire of Yarra Ranges and thanked us for the support to her project in assisting to contact landowners along the river front.

Maya's book not only tells of her own journey but weaves in the ecological and cultural history of the river. It is a beautiful and fascinating read and a great celebration of our river.

yarra shortlisted for international riverprize

It was wonderful to hear that the Yarra River has been shortlisted for the 2011 International RiverPrize, one of the world's most prestigious environmental awards.

The Yarra River was shortlisted from over 50 submissions from 20 countries and it is quite an achievment to get to this stage.
Sharing the shortlist with Charles River - Massachusetts and Mattole River - California, the prize recognises innovative river management. If successful the Yarra River will be the second Australian river to win the award.

Melbourne Water have worked hard since the 1970s to improve the health of this significant river thanks to stronger environmental laws and the diversion of waste to the sewerage system.

There's also been a lot of work on bank stabilisation and implementing water sensitive urban design to better manage stormwater pollution.

It's a river that's dear not only to Yarra Ranges but is a treasure for all Melburnians.

The winner of RiverPrize will be announced at the 14th International RiverSymposium on September 27.