Young people lead the way in waterway conservation

The City of Canning recently hosted Millennium Kids’ Celebrating Waterways event, which brings together youth leadership, Indigenous perspectives and climate action through a focus on water, wetlands and biodiversity.

More than 50 students attended the event, showcasing projects developed by young people across the City of Canning and beyond. The projects highlighted how environmental stewardship, cultural connection to Country and climate action can be strengthened through collaboration.

Students had the opportunity to present their work to key decision-makers including Alistair Jones, Director General, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation; Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur MLA; Mayor Patrick Hall, City of Canning; Deputy Mayor Mark Bain, City of Canning; Councillor Shen Sekhon, City of Canning; Hannah Persaud, UK Churchill Fellow; and staff from the Water Corporation, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Local projects featured at the event included Riverton Primary School’s Revegetation Project and Lynwood Senior High’s Drain Revegetation Project.

The Riverton Primary School project was funded by City of Canning and Millennium Kids, working with Water Corporation to deliver hands on learning focussed on local waterways, biodiversity and habitat restoration.

The project has encouraged students to investigate environmental challenges within their local area and to develop practical actions that contribute to healthier ecosystems.

As a result of the project, Riverton Primary School student Roshan presented his vision for revegetation improving stormwater drains across the City of Canning. His proposal demonstrated how young people can contribute practical solutions to water management challenges while improving local habitats and urban landscapes.

“The experience was once in a lifetime. Being part of such a huge project with so many important people has been great,” said Roshan.

“Having the opportunity to present in front of so many important people was really important to me. Although I was nervous, this was my opportunity to give my project a chance to move on from the planning stage to taking action.”

Roshan encourages other students interested in projects like these to get involved, keep trying and never give up.

Lynwood Senior High School’s project was funded by the City of Canning, MK Enviro Fund with support from WA Multicultural Lions, and working with Millennium Kids and Water Corporation. 

Through the project, students explored the connections between healthy waterways, biodiversity and community wellbeing. They developed environmental knowledge and practical skills while contributing to local restoration and environmental stewardship initiatives.

City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall is proud to support opportunities for young people to make meaningful contributions to the community and develop leadership skills for the future.

"The event highlights the important role young people play in caring for waterways and demonstrates the value of partnerships between schools, community organisations, local government, Water Corporation and State Government agencies.

"It gives young people the opportunity to share their projects, ideas and concerns directly with decision makers and community leaders.

“These students are not just future environmental leaders, they are making a meaningful difference right now,” said Mayor Hall.

This event was delivered by Millennium Kids, an organisation that supports young people to identify issues they care about and empowers them to design and deliver projects that create positive environmental and social outcomes. 

Millennium Kids is recognised nationally and internationally for its youth-led approach and its ability to connect young people with decision-makers and community leaders.