At the recent National Outdoor Health Forum in Tasmania, stories were shared about protecting the Franklin River in Tasmania and the Martuwarra in the Kimberley WA. 

Glenn Woods, CEO of the MFRC, attended the recent National Outdoor Health Forum in lutruwita (Tas) to share stories and ideas about how those working in the outdoor health space might connect with First Nations People's, on country to develop collaborative initiatives. 

A highlight of the forum was the re-screening of the documentary "Franklin" featuring a journey down the river by environmentalist Oliver Cassidy, in honour of the activists that saved the river from destruction by damming in the 1980's. In reflecting on the incredible importance of world heritage waterways, Glenn had the opportunity to present an introduction to the Martuwarra, and the work of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. Whilst the fight to save the Franklin River is firmly entrenched in the history of successful grass roots activism in Australia and beyond, the Martuwarra remains less known to many Australians, as does the current threats the river faces via climate change, water extraction and unsustainable primary industry development. 

As Dr Anne Poelina, chair of the MFRC, puts it - "The river is for all people, it's part of our collective national and global heritage". Participants at the National Outdoor Health Forum were invited to get connected to the work of the MFRC via their website and to consider how they might like to get involved in caring for and protecting the living water we all depend on.