Ceremonial beginning of Watermark Australia

Victorian Women's Trust
Melbourne, Australia, 22 Dec 04

World Water Day marks the ceremonial beginning of the community dialogue phase of the exciting Watermark Australia project.

In a gesture reminicent of the recent Grand Prix, Project Director Mary Crooks will drop a chequered flag to start the 'race against time' for a better water future in Australia.

The hour-long event marks the beginning of citizen-lead discussion about the water issues confronting Australia; a most fitting start to the United Nations' Decade for Action on water, 'Water for Life'.

Working in small groups over a period of months, ordinary people will share knowledge and stories, examine broader water issues, and consider new ways for dealing with water. Their deliberations will be brought together with the knowledge of scientists and water experts, creating a unique amalgam of technical and lay knowledge and actions.

The launch offers the press and public an opportunity to meet the Watermark Australia team, hear Mary Crooks first-hand, and be introduced to Project Champions and Partners - organisations that allow staff to participate in Watermark Australia discussions on paid work-time.

Watermark Australia, an initiative of the Victorian Women's Trust, is completely independently-funded. For most information about the project, please visit our website http://watermarkaustralia.org.au

Contact: Leanne Pleash <Leanne.Pleash@watermarkaustralia.org.au>