Community Partner: The River Runs Deep with Yarra Riverkeeper Association
By Bree Pagliuso|
The Yarra River—Melbourne’s lifeblood—flows through the heart of our city, winding from lush bushland to our buzzing city centre. It shapes how we live, where we connect, and what makes Melbourne, well, Melbourne.
From Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), you can’t miss it. The flowing energy of the Yarra is part of everything we do. But this iconic river doesn’t look after itself—it needs a community of champions willing to step up and take action.
Here, we take you behind the scenes of our partnership with the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and the incredible work they do with Operations Manager Carina Watson.
"The Yarra is just so central to Melbourne," that's how Carina begins when we catch up. And she’s right. The Yarra isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s 242 kilometres of culture, connection, and community. “For a third of Victorians, this river is in their backyard. During Covid, it became a refuge for so many—a place to breathe, reflect, and recharge,” Carina explains. “But it’s not just there for us. It’s a delicate ecosystem that needs protecting, and that’s where we come in.”
The Yarra Riverkeeper Association has been at it for over 20 years. They’re part of a global waterkeeper movement, which began on the Hudson River when locals took a stand against pollution. “It’s actually a citizen-led movement,” Carina says. “The first Riverkeeper was started by regular people who cared about their local waterway. Now, we’re here in Melbourne, working to ensure the Yarra is healthy, protected, and loved.”
Big Vision, Local Action
Talking through their purpose, Carina explained, ““Ours is simple—a healthy, protected, and loved Yarra Birrarung. Our focus is on site restoration, like the regeneration work we’ve done at Phillips Fox Billabong.”
“We’ve been here for three years, removing weeds and restoring the native vegetation layers. It’s all about rebuilding the ecosystem, layer by layer. And this work happens on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people. We’re really conscious of the importance of working together with Traditional Owners in the ongoing care of the river.”
But managing the health of the Yarra is no small feat. “The river stretches 242 kilometres—it’s a big remit for a small organisation like ours. That’s why we collaborate with local, place-based groups who are connected to their part of the river.”
A Natural Fit
It’s partnerships like ours that amplify the Yarrakeeper's work. “MCEC has been incredible,” Carina says.
“We’ve hosted events like World Water Day to get people inspired to take action. MCEC employees have even rolled up their sleeves for litter cleanups and come along to the Yarra River Fest.”
And then there’s Melbourne Skyfarm “It’s such a great example of forward-thinking innovation,” Carina adds. “By capturing rainwater before it floods into the river, it tackles urban stormwater issues head-on. It’s exactly the kind of impactful idea that resonates with MCEC’s commitment to sustainability.”
There Are So Many Ways to Get Involved
Carina’s message is clear, the Yarra belongs to all of us, and it takes all of us to protect it. “Joining the Yarra Riverkeeper Association as a member is a great first step,” she says. “We also run planting days, cleanups, and corporate volunteering programs. Even small things—like disposing of waste responsibly or advocating for better stormwater management—can make a huge difference.” And education plays a big role. “Many people don’t realise that street drains flow straight into the river, not the sewer. Every choice matters,” Carina explains.
Protecting Melbourne’s Lifeline
“The Yarra isn’t just water—it’s a lifeline,” Carina says. “It connects people, sustains wildlife, and shapes Melbourne’s identity. When we care for it, we’re caring for the city itself.”
At MCEC, we’re deeply committed to reducing our environmental impact . Our drive for sustainable events includes partnering with organisations that share our vision for a healthier, more vibrant future. That’s why working with Yarra Riverkeeper Association is such a natural fit—it’s about more than sustainability; it’s about community, culture, and responsibility.
Together, we’re creating change for Melbourne—one cleanup at a time.
Get Involved
Join MCEC and Yarra Riverkeeper Association or explore upcoming events . From planting native trees to clearing litter from the riverbanks, every little action builds toward something bigger.