No. 42
Hello everyone
We wish you and your families a peaceful New Year filled with hope, positivity and care for the environment. Our volunteer efforts continue to be inspired by our passion to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and future of our birdlife.
2025 was an exceptionally busy year for us as we worked at presenting our perspective to decision-makers. While there are still matters to be resolved, both the City of Melville (CoM) and the Dept of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) are making great progress on the rehabilitation and revegetation of Point Waylen which is a critical part of the MBS.
We have confidence and optimism for 2026, as we continue to advocate for the ecological integrity of the MBS by addressing ongoing human disturbances that impact our shorebirds. Migratory bird species are of particular conservation concern, as uninterrupted access to safe resting and feeding habitats is essential to their survival. We are working with others at finding a constructive and collaborative way forward.
2025 at a Glance
Alfred Cove Ospreys
The 2024 Osprey season was bittersweet, marked by the loss of Samphire chick (so named for where we found it). The remaining chick has grown into a strong juvenile and continues to be sighted with its mother at Alfred Cove. Unfortunately, there were no Osprey offspring during the 2025 season, despite breeding behaviours being observed in both the adult male and female (details provided in our Newsletter #41). Based on advice from our experienced Osprey observer, the 2025 Osprey season proved challenging across the Perth region.
Continuing Support for MBS
In February, our State Member for Bicton, Lisa O’Malley MLA, who is also our Patron, announced a funding commitment of $145,000 to provide an aesthetic bird-viewing seat at Point Waylen and equipment for school visits. (Lisa previously provided funding for the existing viewing platform at Point Waylen.) We’ve now purchased 30 pairs of children’s binoculars and have sent invitations to a number of local primary schools to participate in our bird awareness activities. We express deep gratitude to Lisa for her ongoing support.
Point Waylen Revitalisation (MBS East Region)
In April, our federal Member for Tangney, Sam Lim MP, announced an $850,000 election commitment to restore and revitalise Point Waylen. We’re immensely grateful for this significant commitment and the support it represents for the community and the future of the MBS. The City of Melville and DBCA launched the Point Waylen Revitalisation Project in late April, with works scheduled through to October 2026. Improvements so far include general MBS signage; preparation of land for planting in 2026; a 1.35m high ‘No Dogs’ fence installed along the western boundary of Point Waylen peninsula; and commencement of rehabilitation on northern foreshore (See photos)
Community Engagement & Events in 2025
We were involved with multiple birdwatching walks, clean-up events and regular bird counts at Alfred Cove/Point Waylen (MBS East Region) and Point Walter Spit/Blackwall Reach (West Region).
Two World Migratory Bird Day events in May and October were well attended by officials and
community, alongside a sold-out Birds and Wellbeing event in August at CoM’s EcoHub with Dr Rochelle Steven, and a sold-out Birdwatching for Beginners workshop with Birdlife WA’s Brendan Kinsella in November at the Melville Bowling Club (pictured). We also participated in the CoM’s annual Eco Action Expo.
“All our events aim to create ongoing awareness of the birdlife of the MBS and the importance of ongoing sanctuary for our birds.”
Going Forward
Raising further Awareness
Two refurbished Information Shelters have been installed by the CoM at Troy Park and Blackwall Reach Reserve for our use. We’re in the process of populating the Shelter at Blackwall Reach Reserve (at the entrance from Blackwall Reach Pde).
The CoM and Parks and Wildlife produced a video reel showcasing the Melville Bird Sanctuary. You can view this video on our website.
We hope you’ll check out the above Information Shelters from time to time.
MBS Committee
This Committee meets regularly and oversees all matters relating to the Melville Bird Sanctuary, including its management, conservation and ongoing operations.
Officers from the CoM, DBCA, representatives from volunteer group Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG) and ourselves from Friends of MBS (FoMBS) are on this Committee.
As Friends of MBS looks ahead to 2026, the achievements for MBS in 2025 give us confidence that our vision is gradually becoming a reality. We are small in number, steadfast in commitment and bold in our dreams for the MBS!! We express our gratitude to our elected Federal and State representatives Sam Lim and Lisa O'Malley for their support, to Melville Council, City of Melville and DBCA for MBS achievements so far. We encourage their continued initiative and leadership as the MBS evolves.
FoMBS EVENTS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2026
Birdwatching Walk – Sunday 18 January, 8am to 9.15am
Lesley Macauley (FoMBS/Birdlife WA) will lead this Birdwatching Walk at Alfred Cove
(MBS East Region)
Meeting Place: Birdviewing Platform at entrance to Troy Park (opp 196 Burke Dr, Attadale)
Time: 8am to 9.15am (please be there at 7.45am to complete registration details)
Please bring sunscreen, a hat, a bottle of water, and binoculars. We’ll have some spare binoculars available, including for children. If you wish, bring a notebook & pen to record your bird sightings
Birdwatching Walk – Saturday 7 February, 7.30am to 9am
Jennifer Sumpton and Lynley Davey (FoMBS/Birdlife WA) will lead this Birdwatching Walk at Blackwall Reach Reserve/Point Walter Spit (MBS West Region)
Meeting Place: Kent Street end of Blackwall Reach Parade
Time: 7.30am to 9am (please be there at 7.15am to complete registration details)
Please bring sunscreen, a hat, a bottle of water, and binoculars. We’ll have some spare binoculars available, including for children. If you wish, bring a notebook & pen to record your bird sightings
Beginners Smartphone Bird Photography Workshop – FoMBS Ticketed event
Saturday 21 February, 10am to 12.30pm
The workshop will be run by Tanita Seton, a professional photographer specialising in smartphone photography. Tanita has developed this workshop to give people confidence to take amazing photos.
Venue:CityofMelvilleEcoHub, BinjarRoom, Winthrop
Time: 10am to 12.30pm (please be there at 9.45am to complete registration details) Please bring your smartphone with you.
Course details including tickets ($14 each) are at Beginners Smartphone BirdPhotography Workshop Tickets, Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
We look forward to meeting you at our above events. Your support - whether through encouragement, attendance at our events, or spreading the word - makes a real and lasting difference. We hope you will continue to be part of the MBS journey with us.
Best regards
Jenny Christenson & Tom Lubin
Co-founders: Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary
240 Burke Drive, Attadale, 6156
Australia 6156
Web Site: www.melbirdsanc.com eMail: mailperson@melbirdsanc.com
Containers for Change
Please donate using this barcode.
Donations may also be made to our Westpac Bank Account.
Details as follows: Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary, BSB 036-084 A/c 494777
Contact Melville City Rangers
Business hours:08 9364 0666 or 1300 635 845After hours: 0418 943 219
Contact Wildcare Helpline (Parks & Wildlife - DBCA)
08 9474 9055