Friends of
Grey Plover & Juvenile Fairy Terns, Sue Stanley
The Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary is a community group that was formed in 2020 to advocate for the establishment of a Melville Bird Sanctuary within defined boundaries in the areas of Alfred Cove and Pt Walter. The establishment of Melville Bird Sanctuary was supported by Melville Council and Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions in June 2023.
The FoMBS now participates on a cross-organisational Committee, made up of members of the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), City of Melville (CoM), Melville Bird Sanctuary (MBS) and Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG). This Committee is tasked with the roll out of the Melville Bird Sanctuary.
Who We Are
Our mission is to increase community awareness of birds and their habitats; to protect and strengthen our natural environment; and to provide sanctuary for and grow our bird population for the benefit of current and future generations.
What We Do
Though our original goal - to prevent proposed environmental disturbances and ensure creation of the sanctuary itself - has been supported, our work is only just beginning! Our events and initiatives include but are not limited to:
Increasing community awareness of local birdlife through short courses, pop-up events & other means (to be advertised in Events)
Organising Birdwatching Walks within MBS boundaries led by people well-versed in birdlife of the area
Reporting and minimising bird disturbances through regular checks (report on this form)
Advocating for the wellbeing and safety of birds
Sending out regular Newsletters to the FoMBS database of supporters
Running an active and informative Facebook page for the MBS
Regular birdcounts at Alfred Cove, Pt Walter and Blackwall Reach Reserve
Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary will continue to advocate for the protection and wellbeing of birdlife at both Local and State Government levels.
We are in need of volunteers to assist us. To join, please complete the application form found on ‘How To Join’.
Great Crested Grebe with chicks by Melissa Zapelli
Meet Our Patron
Lisa O’Malley MLA
Our Patron Lisa O’Malley MLA is the state member for Bicton since 2017, and is a longtime supporter and passionate advocate for the establishment of the Melville Bird Sanctuary.
Member for Bicton
Minister Reece Whitby MLA Minister for Energy; Environment; Climate Action and Lisa O’Malley at Bird Viewing Platform, Pt Waylen.
| Article appearing in the Melville City Herald, 24/06/23
Our Partners
Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group
Bicton Environmental Action Group
How to Get Involved
If you’d like to contribute financially to the development of the sanctuary, you can find instruction on how to do so here.
Donate
We often hold events, including guided birdwatching walks, so check our Events page to find out what’s coming up.
Participate
Visit
The best way to get involved with the sanctuary itself is, of course, to visit! Find our tips on planning your visit here.
Join
Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary is always open to new members! Find our application form here.
Connect
We have an active Facebook page that serves to alert community to happenings in the MBS, and is the best place to find updates and recent photos. We encourage community comments and posts. Please also “Like” and “Follow” our page.