Riverkeeper’s epic run for good

The Yarra River took centre stage during Friday’s AFL Grand final parade, but you don’t have to be a football superstar to draw attention to this incredible waterway according to Melbourne Water.

To mark World Rivers Day today (Sunday Sept 25), the Yarra Riverkeeper Association’s Chief Executive Officer Karin Traeger is setting off on an epic 280 kilometre run from the source of the Yarra River in the Yarra Ranges National Park to the mouth at Docklands.

Ms Traeger, an ultramarathon runner, will raise awareness of the importance of the river as a living entity throughout the six-day journey. She is looking forward to enjoying the scenery, stopping and sharing stories of the river with the community and raising funds to continue the Association’s work to protect it. 

Melbourne Water Acting Managing Director Gavan O’Neill wished Karin the best of luck on her ambitious physical challenge which also has a great deal of heart.

“It is so encouraging to have passionate people like Karin championing this iconic river and  the bush and wildlife it supports,” Mr O’Neill said.

“It will help inspire the community to take care of it and protect it against the the impacts of urbanisation and climate change.

Ms Traeger said she is grateful for Melbourne Water’s support and encouraged the community to celebrate all that the Yarra/Birrarung River offers ecologically and socially.

“Melbourne is very fortunate to have this incredible waterway right at our doorstep,” she said.

“Now, more than ever, we must all give back to it by creating daily actions to support its health like picking up litter. What is good for the Yarra is good for all!"

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is a not-for-profit organisation which advocates for the protection of the Yarra River, its catchment and the many species who call it home. Melbourne Water is proud to support the Association along with the Werribee River Association as part of our role to keep all 25,000km of Melbourne’s rivers, creeks and catchments healthy.

Millions of people in more than 100 countries will take part in activities for World Rivers Day. It highlights the many values of our rivers and raises awareness of the threats they face and what people can do to ensure their future health.

If you would like to donate to Run the Riverkeeper, click here.                                         

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