Welcome to the Merri Creek Management Committee website

Gum Tree Learning: Inspiring primary educators to teach with Australian eucalypts

Australia’s gum trees can guide student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking entry for STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) as well as Law and Language. This three minute video - Gum tree learning: Inspiring primary educators to teach with Australian eucalypts provides teacher support for the cross-cultural curriculum priority (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures). Use in the classroom and pause to focus on different elements.

Reprieve for VicRoads-owned Merri Creek land

Great news - Moreland Council has decided to make an offer to the State Government to buy VicRoads land at Leonard St, Fawkner. This land is an integral part of the Merri Creek habitat and parkland corridor but has been declared 'surplus' to VicRoads' needs. If not acquired by Council it could be sold off for residential development. MCMC has congratulated Council on this decision, made on 13 June 2018. We've also said that we share Council's frustration at having to use ratepayer’s funds to purchase land from another level of government.

It's still not a done deal yet as the State Government may want more than Council offers. It will also take some time for the negotiations to be completed and land to be transferred.

Photo: Community members gather at Leonard St Fawkner to save the parkland, May 2018

Muddy Merri Troubles

Muddy Merri upstream from Blyth St bridge A dramatic change in the colour of Merri Creek - from its usual darkish hue to a worrying, pale-yellow - had concerned locals contacting MCMC, posting on Facebook and reporting the issue to the EPA. The spate of yellow muddiness began after rain in mid-May and continued for more than three weeks, an unprecedented time. 'Old hands' said that the turbidity (sediment load) in Merri Creek was much worse than anything they'd seen in their decades of creek-watching. What caused this massive pollution event? Was it 'natural', or the result of disturbance from urban development activity?

Photo above: Merri Creek at Blyth St, Brunswick East, 15 May 2018

Friends of Merri Park Planting

Sunday 19 August, 10.00am -12.00noon
Help the Friends of Merri Park to look after this wonderful site. Organised by Friends of Merri Park, funded by Darebin City Council and supported by Merri Creek Management Committee. Contact: Irena 0415 722 653.
Merri Park Northcote, Sumner Ave near Winifred St, Melway 30C8 - see map.

Would you like to care for Merri Creek on Wednesdays?

WED Planting 2018 A new group of volunteers will now be working on the last Wednesday morning of each month to help care for Merri Creek. You too can be part of it . No skills required, just a willingness to work!
The group will work with skilled Merri Creek Management Committee staff to undertake a range of tasks.
Depending on the time of year, activities could include:

planting;
handweeding;
jute mat installation;
erosion control coir log installation;
search and destroy missions for South African Weed Orchid;
weed mapping and vegetation assessment;
woody weed removal.

If you'd like to be part of this new group, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and put 'Wednesday Group' in the subject line.

National Threatened Species Day - Nature Play

Friday 7 September, 9:30-10:30am
Open your child to the wonder and learning local nature provides, with a free program in a nature setting for two to five year-olds (carer or parent must attend). To highlight the importance of National Threatened Species Day, children will be introduced to some of our threatened animals (furry, scaly and slimy!) as well as having nature items to feel, explore and make crafty creatures with. There will be opportunities for children to make their own nature discoveries in a safe, urban bushland setting close to facilities. Registration essential - under Read more.
This event is proudly supported by the City of Whittlesea.
Whittlesea Public Gardens, end of Barry Road Thomastown (Melway 8 C4 - see map) - meet near the car park.