JUST as 11-year-old Luka Adams finishes describing why the Swan River is important to him, a couple of bat stingrays glide in to Bicton’s shallows as if to emphasise the point.

“Well, I care about the river because when you come down here you come to a different world,” the Millennium Kid had explained.

“It’s so beautiful and I want to keep it like that for the next generations so they can have the same love for it as I do.”

The young rays soon have Luka, Millennium Kids co-founder Catrina-Luz Aniere and Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley transfixed by seemingly posing for a photo before splashing away.

Millennium Kids is an environmental advocacy group where youngsters call the shots, and Ms Aniere says one of the first priorities Luka’s group set was to tackle the Swan River’s many issues.

• Millennium Kid Luka Adams and the organisation’s co-founder Catrina-Luz Aniere share a special river moment with Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley as a couple of bat stingrays drop by. Photos by Steve Grant

They’ll be taking part in a Healthy River, Healthy Communities forum which is being organised by Ms O’Malley on Sunday November 12 from 3 – 5pm at the Bicton Golf Course on Honour Avenue.

Environment minister Stephen Dawson will be speaking, as will birdlife experts Mandy and Mike Bamford, a representative from the Environmental Defenders Office and sustainability guru Chris Ferreira from The Forever project.

“As I said in my inaugural speech in Parliament, the Swan River and its surrounds have always played a vital role for the people of Bicton as a place to meet, recreate and connect with our natural environment,” Ms O’Malley said.

“The Healthy Rivers Healthy Communities forum will include presentations, displays and opportunities to learn more about our local section of the Swan River Park and how you can get involved in its care.”

It’s a freeby, but best to RSVP by calling Ms O’Malley’s office on 9316 0666 or emailing bicton@mp.wa.gov.au

by STEVE GRANT