2026 Flow-MER Northern Basin Forum

Cultural Outcomes
Macquarie River and Marshes
A diverse group of 15 people standing outdoors on a dirt ground with trees in the background.
During an optional field trip to the Macquarie Marshes following the forum, guests were welcomed to Country by Wayilwan Elder Uncle Tom Carney and enjoyed a performance in the Wayilwan language by the Warraan Widji Arts Centre’s Budjirriwan band. Video: Jane Howard, UNSW

Flow-MER Project members, water managers, Aboriginal people, and other environmental experts came together for two days in March for the 2026 Flow-MER Northern Murray-Darling Basin Forum in Dubbo.  

The Macquarie River and Marshes Flow-MER team hosted the event. Participants discussed opportunities and challenges related to water for the environment and identified ways to work together.

The program began with a visit to the Platypus Rescue Centre at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. UNSW is leading research funded by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) that monitors platypus health. This work helps improve how water is managed to support the platypus.

The official part of the Forum started with opening remarks from Dr Simon Banks, the CEWH (pictured below).

The official part of the Forum started with opening remarks from Dr Simon Banks, the CEWH. Image: CEWH

Presentations then focused on the region's main rivers. Participants also worked in groups on topics such as River Flow and Connectivity, Native Fish, Waterbirds, Native Vegetation, and Knowledge Exchange. The event also gave people time to connect informally and share ideas.

The Flow-MER Northern Cultural Network meeting was held alongside the forum. It brought together the First Nations MER Team and Cultural Advisors (pictured below) to share insights. Discussions covered meeting on Country, Cultural Outcomes reporting, new data collection approaches, strengthening water literacy, and successful grant initiatives.

A diverse group of 15 people standing outdoors on a dirt ground with trees in the background.
The Flow-MER Northern Cultural Network meeting was held alongside the forum. It brought together the First Nations MER Team and Cultural Advisors to share insights. Image: One Basin

An optional one-day field trip to the Macquarie Marshes followed the forum. Guests were welcomed to Country by Wayilwan Elder Uncle Tom Carney and enjoyed a performance in the Wayilwan language by the Warraan Widji Arts Centre's Budjirriwan band (pictured below).

Five children performing outdoors in a grassy area with water in the distance behind them. Two children hold musical instruments—a guitar and a snare drum—while others are singing.
Guests enjoyed a performance in the Wayilwan language by the Warraan Widji Arts Centre’s Budjirriwan band. Image: Jane Howard, UNSW

Local landholder Leanne Hall (pictured below, far right) spoke about how she and other landowners protect the Marshes while also running grazing businesses.

A group of people gathered outdoors sitting on benches and the ground and standing around a central table under a tree. The scene is a casual discussion and vehicles visible in the background.
Local landholder Leanne Hall (pictured above, far right) spoke about how she and other landowners protect the Marshes while also running grazing businesses. Image: Jane Howard, UNSW

The group visited key Marshes sites (pictured below) to gain a better understanding of this internationally significant wetland system.

A group of people standing on a dirt road in a rural area, engaged in a discussion. Several vehicles are parked nearby.
The group visited key Marshes sites (pictured above) to gain a better understanding of this internationally significant wetland system. Image: Jane Howard, UNSW

Landholder update event‍

After the field trip, the Macquarie River and Marshes Flow-MER team stayed on to host a local landholder event. The informal BBQ included presentations on the results from the 2024–2025 Flow-MER work.

AUTHORS:
Jane Howard
Published on:
May 21, 2026

Our work in the Macquarie River and Marshes

The Macquarie River and Marshes contains critical wetland and river assets including the Macquarie Marshes, one of the largest and most important wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin, extending over 200,000 hectares, approximately 19,000 hectares of which are Ramsar-listed. Learn about the work we're doing in this river system and key insights gained as part of the Flow-MER program.

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Artwork credit: Wiradjuri Artist Rebecca Salcole
Acknowledgement of Country

The Flow-MER Program team acknowledges the First Nations communities of the Murray–Darling Basin and pays respect to Elders past and present.

We acknowledge First Nations people as the Traditional Owners of the land, water and sky Country across the Basin and value the expertise, wisdom and enduring connections that have informed their care for Country over millennia.

We recognise the intrinsic connection of First Nations people to Country, and we value the enduring cultural, social, environmental, spiritual, and economic connection to the rivers, wetlands, and floodplains of the Basin. We are committed to working with First Nations people across the Murray–Darling Basin to build relationships in a meaningful and genuine way to support and empower them in reaching their aspirations.

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