Greater Sydney Landcare’s Streamwatch program continues to make a positive impact across the region, welcoming a growing network of volunteers, schools, councils and community organisations dedicated to protecting local waterways.
We were pleased to welcome new Streamwatch groups including;
- Wahroonga Estate
- Bush Habitat Restoration Co-op
- Helensburgh Landcare
- CRVA Mudcrabs
- The Harbour School Sydney.
Streamwatch staff have also delivered introductory training to several new groups and look forward to supporting upcoming partnerships with The Indi School Liverpool, Australian Christian College, Arndell School, Blacktown City Council, Strathfield Council and City of Parramatta.
Streamwatch remained actively engaged in community events throughout the year, attending the Sydney Rivers Forum, supporting Riverfest with Canterbury-Bankstown Council, and celebrating World Water Day alongside local groups including Campbelltown Bushcare, Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society, Lugarno Progress Association and OzFish Botany Chapter. These events help connect communities with their local waterways while promoting environmental stewardship.
At its core, Streamwatch combines community education with practical environmental action. Through hands-on water quality monitoring, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of catchment health and learn how everyday actions can influence water quality. Participants become advocates for healthier waterways within their communities while contributing valuable environmental data.
The program’s long-term water quality records provide an important resource for councils, scientists and decision-makers, supporting waterway assessments and informing future management and improvement projects. Streamwatch also plays a vital role in identifying pollution events and environmental issues early, enabling timely responses when needed.
Beyond environmental outcomes, Streamwatch continues to facilitate community engagement. Volunteers work together in a welcoming environment, sharing knowledge, building friendships and contributing to a common goal. These opportunities help strengthen community resilience while reducing social isolation.
Streamwatch staff also supported Greater Sydney Landcare’s corporate volunteering program, delivering water quality activities for organisations including DocuSign, Medium Rare Content Agency and Man Investments Group. Participants used Streamwatch Alert Kits and examined waterbugs as biological indicators of ecosystem health.
The team welcomed new Streamwatch Officer Mia Cahoud, who brings a degree in Environment and Sustainability along with valuable experience across the environmental and community sectors.
Volunteers also came together for the 2026 Streamwatch QA Day, an important annual event that helps maintain the consistency and reliability of Streamwatch data. Whether attending in person or participating remotely, volunteers tested their monitoring kits, compared results and shared experiences while connecting with fellow participants.
With growing community participation, valuable environmental outcomes and meaningful social benefits, Streamwatch continues to demonstrate the power of community-based environmental monitoring. Every volunteer, partner and supporter plays a role in helping to create healthier waterways and stronger communities for the future.
Join the Streamwatch Program
If you are interested in joining a streamwatch group or hosting an event, please contact us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org or enquire below. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
