The KooyongKoot Alliance (KKA) and its members brought together an impressive gathering of community groups, environmental advocates and local residents on Saturday 29th November for the Boroondara KooyongKoot Clean Waterways Expo. Despite a soggy start, the event proved a solid success, shining a spotlight on the health of Gardiners Creek and its catchment.
While attendance was slightly lower than hoped — around 100 to 150 people — the atmosphere remained energetic and engaging throughout the day. All 12 stallholders reported strong interest in their displays, with no shortage of meaningful conversations and networking.
The program’s walks and talks were fully booked, and presentations at the U3A conference facility drew healthy audiences. The Expo also attracted significant political attention, with five Boroondara councillors in attendance, including Mayor Wes Gault, along with councillors Lisa Hollingsworth, John Fried-Pieira, Mal Osbourne Smith and Victor Franco. We thank the walks’ leaders — Gillian, Callum, Neville and Sam — for lending their expertise and enthusiasm to the success of the day.
State MPs Matt Fregon and John Pesutto also made appearances, while Federal MPs Monique Ryan —who joined the Bird Walk and Talk — and Carina Garland spent time engaging with participants. The strong political turnout ensured local waterways and environmental concerns were given thoughtful consideration.
Stallholders represented a wide range of environmental and community groups, including Native Fish Australia, 1st Glen Iris Scouts and John Gardiner Rovers Crew, five Friends Of groups, Urban Guerrillas, ACF Community Boroondara, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, the City of Boroondara Biodiversity Team, Yarra Riverkeeper Association, Petrichor Collaborative, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne Water and the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration.
Organisers extended their thanks to all participating groups for their enthusiasm and expertise. Appreciation was also given to the City of Boroondara for providing a grant to support the event, U3A Hawthorn for hosting, and the Rotary Club of Chadstone – East Malvern for supplying a much-loved barbecue.
A special acknowledgement went to the volunteers whose efforts made the day possible. Their work not only ensured a smooth event but helped strengthen the growing community movement behind creek health and environmental stewardship.
Despite the rain, the Expo affirmed the community’s deep and growing commitment to protecting local waterways — one conversation, one connection and one shared passion at a time.