Be a Changemaker

Changing times: new course to inspire more champions for the Parramatta River

Applications are now open for the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s first ‘Changemakers Course’. 

The purpose of the course is to connect like-minded people to work together to create fun, local projects that  positively impact the Parramatta River and its surrounds. Course participants will explore the river through  ‘catchment crawls’ to learn more about the challenges that impact the health of our waterways, including  streams, creeks, rivers and harbours. 

Participants will meet inspiring people involved in local volunteering, including Riverkeeper Ambassadors,  and also hear from guest presenters on topics such as transforming places and creating buzzworthy community events. Partner organisations such as Birdlife Southern NSW will present on some of our iconic species, including the Powerful Owl and Bar-tailed Godwit. 

PRCG Chair Cr Mark Drury said that the Changemakers Course is an important initiative that will greatly support  the delivery of the Parramatta River Masterplan. 

“Involving the community and conserving nature are essential parts of our plan to create a living river,” Cr Drury  said. 

“The Changemakers Course will provide skills and information for motivated and passionate individuals to run  activities and events in their local areas. These events will help inspire the community to care for their local  waterways and the wildlife that depend on them.” 

“You don’t need to be an environmentalist to do this course. In fact, we encourage applicants from all walks of  life. People often underestimate the influence they can have on their neighbourhood or networks.” 

The Changemakers Course is free and open to anyone aged 16 years and over who lives or works in the  Parramatta River catchment council areas of: Blacktown, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury Bankstown,  Cumberland, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Parramatta and Ryde. 

No formal qualifications or experience are required, however participants must be able to attend the whole  program and commit to running or assisting with activities or events that involve other residents in the protection  and restoration of the Parramatta River or its creeks and tributary rivers. 

The course is limited to a maximum of 25 participants and applications close on Monday, 22 March 2021. For more information or to apply, please visit: ourlivingriver.com.au/changemakerscourse 

Source: Parramatta River Catchment Group

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