Taking the classroom to Dandenong Creek

School children in the Dandenong Creek area have been doing some detective work to learn about the health of the local waterway as part of an innovative Melbourne Water education program.

‘The Creek Project’ offers a fun and exciting experience, where children learn about natural and urban water cycles, water pollution and biodiversity before getting hands-on testing the creek’s water quality for themselves. This involves working with a scientist to look for waterbugs and analyse data.  

Melbourne Water Program Lead Education and Waterwatch, Marita Tripp, said young people play an important role in the future health of Dandenong Creek.  

“By better understanding the effects of their actions on the creek, young people are more likely to contribute to its protection for future generations,” Ms Tripp said.

“It’s never too early to start learning about where pollution comes from and what positive steps can be taken to prevent it.

“Every little action, like putting litter in a bin helps support healthy waterways, habitats and ecosystems.”

The Creek Project is aimed at primary and secondary school students and has recently been successfully piloted with Waverley Meadows Preschool. The program includes interactive classroom sessions and a visit to the creek.  

The Creek Project is part of Melbourne Water’s Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek program, which focuses on reducing pollution from industrial sites and improving biodiversity. The project is run in collaboration with scientists from A3P, RMIT University.

Bayswater West Primary School, Heathmont College, Wantirna Primary School, St Justin’s Primary School, The Knox School, Jells Park Primary School and Waverley Meadows Primary School have participated in the project. The feedback from students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with the real-life learning sparking a greater interest in the local environment and its impact on their daily lives.

Schools, preschools and scout groups between Bayswater North and Wheelers Hill, in the Dandenong Creek middle sub-catchment, are urged to get involved. To find out more or register your interest for 2023, visit our website or email [email protected]

Melbourne Water manages all parts of the water cycle: providing clean drinking water, treating sewage, flood management, and keeping all 25,000km of Melbourne's rivers, creeks and catchments healthy.

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