Our Organisation

Five focus areas for Georges Riverkeeper were identified through a stakeholder engagement process undertaken in the development of the Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and are represented by the five programs, which are:

• Operations Management Program
• Catchment Actions Program
• River Health & Research Program
• Stormwater & Sewage Program
• Education & Capacity Building Program

Although these are distinct Programs they are integrated and work together to protect the health of the Georges River.

A General Meeting is held four or five times per year and is attended by Georges Riverkeeper staff, Host Manager, Member Councils' nominated representative Councillors, Council staff, Financial Partner representatives, and community representatives.

Georges Riverkeeper is governed by an Executive Group who are elected annually and meet monthly to make operational and management decisions. The Georges Riverkeeper Executive Groups consists of:

• Georges Riverkeeper Chairperson, Cr. George Barcha (Fairfield City Council)
• Georges Riverkeeper Vice Chairperson, Cr. Paul Sedrak (Bayside Council)
• Georges Riverkeeper Second Vice Chairperson, Cr. Stephen Nikolovski (Sutherland Shire Council)
• Georges Riverkeeper Treasurer, Cr. Peter Mahoney (Georges River Council).
• Georges Riverkeeper Program Manager: Scott Reyes
• Georges Riverkeeper Host Management: Ian Drinnan (Sutherland Shire Council)

Sydney Water is a Financial Partner of Georges Riverkeeper. This partnership will allow Georges Riverkeeper to address issues related to sewage in the Stormwater & Sewage Program.

Georges Riverkeeper stakeholders, who may be represented on the Committee, include but are not limited to:

• Corrective Services NSW
• Environmental Education Centre (Georges River and Botany Bay)
• Greater Sydney Local Land Services
• Lands and Water – Crown Lands
• Local Aboriginal Land Councils
• National Parks and Wildlife Service
• NSW Department of Land and Property Information
• NSW Department of Planning and Environment
• NSW Department of Primary Industry
• NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
• NSW Roads and Maritime Service
• NSW State Emergency Service
• Sydney Water Corporation
• Various environmentally focused community groups and other regional organisations

Georges Riverkeeper staff comprises of professionals with diverse career backgrounds. The team includes a Program Manager, Aquatic Ecologist & Programs Coordinator, Project Coordinator & Environmental Officer, Administration Officer and Communications Officer.

Georges Riverkeeper would like acknowledge and thank Sutherland Shire Council for hosting Georges Riverkeeper.