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In this episode of Take Me to the River, Dr. Siwan Lovett sits down with renowned fluvial geomorphologist Professor Kirstie Fryirs—co-developer of the globally adopted River Styles Framework—to explore how rivers are shaped, damaged, and healed.

This jam-packed episode breaks down the science of river restoration through the lens of fluvial geomorphology. But what is geomorphology? As Kirstie explains, it’s all about understanding how rivers take shape — how water, mud, plants, and even animals like carp and platypus help form the way a river looks and behaves.

To make sense of this, Kirstie co-developed the River Styles Framework, a way of identifying different types of rivers, understanding their condition, and working out how they might recover. It’s now used all over the world to help river managers speak the same language when deciding how to care for waterways.

Kirstie challenges conventional thinking about river restoration, emphasising that knowing when NOT to intervene is just as important as knowing when to act. Through the concept of "recovery potential," she explains how each river must be treated individually with realistic expectations. In a world where rivers cannot return to pre-colonisation conditions, she shows us how to let rivers self-heal when possible.

A pioneer for women in the waterway industry, Kirsty became the second female professor of geomorphology in Australia. She shares her remarkable career journey from studying post-colonisation river disturbance in the Bega catchment to researching heavy metal contamination in Antarctica where she experienced true silence. She discusses her innovative teaching approaches and the advice that shaped her leadership style.

From icy Antarctic stations to the wild beauty of Tasmania's Franklin River, Kirstie's passion for rivers is infectious and you can hear it in every moment of this conversation. Whether you're a conservationist, scientist, or simply someone who loves waterways, this episode offers invaluable insight into river recovery — and the experience of being a pioneering woman in environmental science.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

Did you know that a nursing platypus mother must eat up to her entire body weight in food every day to support her and her young? Or that male platypuses have venomous spurs near their back legs that can cause intense pain which is immune to conventional opioid painkillers? Or did you know that technically, based on the word's greek etymology, the plural of platypus is in fact 'platypodes'? These fascinating creatures are more than beloved icons and evolutionary marvels—they're indicator species whose health reflects the condition of our waterways.

The mysterious platypus is one of Australia's most beloved creatures, but these remarkable mammals face increasing threats. Josh Griffiths, Senior Technical Advisor at EnviroDNA and leading expert on platypuses, joins us to share his insights from 17 years studying these enigmatic mammals.

Josh reveals the concerning pattern threatening platypus populations across southeastern Australia. While showing remarkable adaptability to modified environments, platypuses face critical challenges from reduced water flows, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. The Millennium Drought triggered population crashes from which some areas have never recovered, creating a troubling pattern of localized extinctions and genetic isolation.

Siwan and Josh discuss environmental DNA, a tool that allows the precise detection of genetic material left behind by various species in the water. It’s non-invasive and allows for the monitoring of platypus populations on a much higher scale, while opening up opportunities for citizen science.

There are simple actions anyone can take to protect platypuses, like conserving water, cleaning hooks, lines and snags when fishing, and keeping your dog away from platypuses. Josh emphasizes that protecting platypuses isn't just about saving a charismatic species; it's about preserving the ecological systems that sustain all life, including our own.

Ready to become a platypus protector? Listen now to discover how you can help ensure the survival of our beloved platypodes (and their babies, called 'puggles'!) and the rivers they call home.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

In today's episode, Margie Dickson, Environmental Project Manager at Healthy Land and Water, takes us on a journey through her experience leading an innovative project on the Caboolture River which re-establishes mangroves for long-term bank stabilisation and ecosystem resilience. This effort combines her engineering expertise with nature-based solutions, including the use of hardwood logs, strategic earthworks and mangrove revegetation to combat erosion. The project is not only addressing critical environmental risks like acid sulphate soils but also exploring how nature-based solutions can serve as alternatives to traditional 'hard' engineering approaches, increasing climate resilience and creating fish habitats.

Our favourite thing about this project, and Margie's approach, is the way she combines immediate engineering solutions with long-term ecological thinking — rather than building the concrete barriers of the past, the goal is to reinforce banks by creating stable angles, placing strategic barriers, and establishing mangrove communities that will eventually take over the protective role naturally. As Margie explains, "Vegetation is always the long-term strategy for keeping our rivers stable and keeping them healthy."

We also explore the fascinating world of mangroves - from their unusual root systems to their vital role as nurseries for fish and habitat for endangered species like the elusive water mouse. Margie shares how these remarkable plants propagate, sending floating "propagules" (not seeds!) up and down waterways, ready to take root and transform mudflats into thriving forests.

Margie is a civil and environmental engineer with a passion for protecting and regenerating Southeast Queensland’s waterways. She works on delivering on-ground projects that stabilise riverbanks, reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, and support healthier ecosystems and communities. Today, Margie shares the story of this fascinating project, the challenges of balancing engineering precision with ecological needs, and the importance of working with nature to protect our waterways.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

Group CEO of eWater Group Michael Wilson has an extraordinary range of backgrounds: he’s a political scientist, classical musician, public servant, national security specialist, Australian Diplomat, and Humanitarian and International Development Advisor all rolled into one, with over 35 years’ experience across these fields. He’s run for parliament, negotiated international environmental treaties, and trained as a classical baritone opera singer.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael reveals his lifelong passion for music—particularly choral singing with Canberra's adult choir The Resonants. His description of being "surrounded by sound" while singing reveals striking parallels to his approach to water management: understanding how individual contributions fit within complex, interconnected systems.

eWater Group is an organisation dedicated to improving water management across Australia and internationally and is jointly owned by all Australian governments. It’s comprised of two divisions: eWater Solutions, who provide science-based water management expertise and tools, and the Australian Water Partnership, working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support a range of water management and governance initiatives in collaboration with developing countries in South Asia, South-East Asia, and the Pacific.

Today, Michael and our host, Dr. Siwan Lovett, are members of the Resonants, one of Canberra’s foremost adult choirs, and they've been singing with the Resonants for over 25 years. Their upcoming performance in partnership with the Australian River Restoration Centre, Riversong, is a unique fundraising concert for the long-term future of our rivers, celebrating what waterways mean to us in Australia and across the globe. Riversong is a celebration of the river’s heartbeat, and together, we can ensure that the rivers which have nourished our communities, biodiversity and landscapes continue to flow strong and clean, sustaining generations to come.

Join us for a transformative night of music and meaning. Riversong is on the 17th of May 2025 at the Gandel Atrium, National Museum of Australia. Book now to secure your tickets!

Riversong.au 🎙️

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

Stocky Galaxias, or 'Stocky', is one of Australia's most critically endangered species — a tiny fish hidden away in the pristine alpine waters of Kosciuszko National Park.

Can the survival of this elusive, critically endangered species illuminate the future of Australia’s rivers? In this conversation we discuss efforts to save Stocky from the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires and the subsequent rallying of agencies and community groups to protect, conserve, and re-home this special little fish to ensure its survival for future generations. Dr. Siwan Lovett and long-time freshwater fish conservationist and researcher Dr. Mark Lintemans invite you on a journey through the challenges and breakthroughs in conserving this remarkable species. From the thrill of discovering a previously unknown new population, to the innovative strategies that blend natural and artificial solutions for habitat protection, this episode is packed with insights into the delicate balance of river ecosystems, invasive fish, community collaboration and conservation strategies.

We take a deep dive into the ongoing efforts to safeguard species like the Galaxiids and Macquarie perch while respecting the interests of recreational fishing. You'll hear how barriers, riparian vegetation, and even shifts in attitudes among trout enthusiasts are contributing to a new paradigm in fisheries management. These changes are essential to maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring that both native and introduced species can coexist.

Finally, we discuss the urgent issue of genetic diversity, a key factor in the resilience of fish populations against climate change. Discover how genetic research is transforming conservation strategies, with new approaches like cross-breeding and relocation aimed at boosting the genetic health of species under threat. Our conversation extends to the broader picture of Australia’s freshwater fish crisis, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive conservation efforts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

In today's episode, Siwan sits down with Dr. Sue Pillans, a marine scientist, artist and children’s author who specialises in creative and visual communications to help people “picture their ideas”. As a graphic recorder, Sue draws discussions and presentations in real-time to visually capture and convey information, ideas and concepts. Sue has worked with over 65 organisations across Australia and the Southeast Asian region using visual storytelling to help make the complex simple and the simple compelling. Sue also combines her love of marine science and art to bring creativity into classrooms as her alter ego, “Dr. Suzie Starfish”. As a children’s author and illustrator, her picture books engage and educate children about the wonders of the ocean.

Dr. Pillans' unique ability to translate spoken words into vibrant visual stories brings the passion and commitment of river conservationists to life. As she shares her transformative path from marine scientist to visual storyteller, we explore the profound impact of visual communication, particularly when communicating with diverse audiences, including First Nations communities. From capturing complex scientific concepts to inspiring the next generation about ocean conservation, Sue's journey underscores the importance of creativity in promoting environmental awareness and cultural sensitivity. We close our conversation by discussing imaginative and fun ways to engage children in environmental education and action by using the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Learn more about Dr. Pillans' work at her website: drsuepillans.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

In this episode, we’re diving into the waters of the Mary River with environmental engineer Misko Ivezich. With over 15 years of experience at Alluvium, Misko has long been at the forefront of combating river erosion and sediment issues which are crucial to the health of riparian ecosystems and downstream systems which receive their flow. Today, we’re focusing on a successful project on the Mary River, a vital waterway that flows through Queensland and plays a pivotal role in the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The project, led by Misko, implemented new engineering solutions and extensive revegetation to reduce bank erosion by an impressive 85% during the 2022 floods, compared to past data. This story isn’t just about geological and riparian engineering; it’s about ecological recovery. These efforts have had a substantial impact on native species like the Mary River Turtle and Lungfish, whose habitats are crucial for their survival yet have been degraded over time. Through this project, we see a blend of science, policy, and community engagement coming together to foster a more stable and vibrant ecosystem.

Join us as Misko walks us through this landmark initiative, shedding light on how strategic environmental management can lead to sustainable outcomes for both our natural heritage and the communities of wildlife and people who depend on it.

This episode talks about:
• Overview of the Mary River's importance and challenges
• Discussion on river erosion and past flood impacts
• Importance of vegetation in stabilising riverbanks
• Addressing sediment loads impacting the Great Barrier Reef
• Success of community initiatives in river management
• Engineering strategies used in the restoration project
• Future plans and ongoing work for the Mary River

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Questions, comments, feedback? Tap here to send us a message!

37% of Australia's freshwater species are facing extinction in the next century. In the words of today's guest, Dr. Nick Whiterod, "it is now a conscious decision not to act."

Native fish populations in Australia are estimated to be less than 10% of their size pre-colonisation. This country has experienced one of the worst records of recent extinctions worldwide, and many more of our species are predicted to be lost in the near future – not unless we act now. Freshwater species have a disproportionately higher risk of extinction compared to terrestrial and marine counterparts, but are often overlooked, with few aware of how much trouble they’re really in. Dr. Nick Whiterod is a leading expert in the field of freshwater species conservation and recovery, and there’s no one better to speak with about this great challenge than him.

Nick is the driving force behind the Science Program at the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre based in Goolwa, South Australia. He is an ecologist with over two decades of experience, conserving and researching freshwater species and ecosystems across South Australia and Australia-side. He has conducted several successful reintroduction projects, contributed to the national listing of more than 50 freshwater fish and crayfish, and actively worked to understand and conserve freshwater fish across Australia, including in the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region. Nick was a 2018 Churchill Fellow and recently received the 2023 Unsung Hero of South Australian Science.

In today's show, we unravel the ecological treasures of this breathtaking Ramsar site at the Murray-Darling Basin's end. Nick opens up about the region's unique freshwater ecosystems and the pressing challenges they face, from reduced water flows due to upstream extraction to the historical necessity of barrages that protect the freshwater supply. We discuss the significance of environmental water flows and the complexities of managing water resources across jurisdictional boundaries; dive deep into the urgent need for conservation and the threats faced by Australia's native freshwater species; highlight the importance of First Nations collaboration in conservation efforts, and more.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, we promise!) to keep up with new episodes of the show!
🎙️ Listen to our other episodes: https://arrc.au/podcast/
🌱 Learn more about the Australian River Restoration Centre: arrc.au

Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️