No. 44
Hello everyone
We're close to mid-2026. It's been a year of strong progress and achievement so far. Please read on:
Point Waylen Revitalisation Project
We’re pleased to continue sharing positive news about ongoing progress at Melville Bird Sanctuary’s Point Waylen, both in our Newsletters and on our Facebook page at (2)Facebook
Please also visit the City of Melville website at this link: Point Waylen Revitalisation Project | City of Melville
Heavy machinery assisting revegetation at Pt Waylen
From the outset, we envisaged Point Waylen as the Sanctuary’s centrepiece, and seeing it take shape over recent months has been fantastic. What began as a vision shared by a small group of dedicated supporters is now becoming a reality that will benefit both birdlife and local and wider communities for generations to come.
🙏 We again extend our sincere thanks to our Member for Bicton, Lisa O’Malley MLA, and our Member for Tangney, Sam Lim MP, for their encouragement and State and Federal funding support, which has helped make our vision a reality.
The City has invited the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group and our Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary to an engagement session on the Point Waylen Interpretation Plan during this coming week.
Minister Tanya Plibersek & Sam Lim MP with Tom Lubin & Jenny Christenson
Meeting with Minister Tanya Plibersek MP
It was a pleasure to meet the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP during her brief visit in April to Point Waylen, arranged by Sam Lim MP.
As Minister for the Environment in 2025, Tanya Plibersek was closely involved in the Australian Government’s commitment of $850,000 to the Melville Bird Sanctuary project in 2025, following advocacy by Sam Lim MP. She was knowledgeable and very interested in both migratory and other bird species at the MBS.
Birdwatching Walk – Alfred Cove
Saturday 13 June 2026 – 8.30am to 10am
Leader: Lesley Macauley Birdlife WA/FoMBS
📍 Meet: Entrance to Troy Park opposite 194 Burke Drive, Attadale.
⏰ Starts: 8.30am (please be there at 8.15am to register) Birdviewing platform near Troy Park entrance
🎒 Bring: Hat, raincoat, umbrella, birdwatching binoculars, bottle of water
🔭 We’ll have a few spare pairs of binoculars as well.
🌦 If the weather is too wet, we may have to call off the Walk – but fingers crossed – it’ll go ahead.
An account of our World Migratory Bird Day event on Saturday 9 May 2026 (EVERY BIRD COUNTS!)
Our WMBD event was certainly memorable! On arrival at the grassed area near the Spit, we were faced with strong winds and cold conditions that persisted throughout our event. Our dedicated volunteers managed to erect our gazebo, but displaying BirdLife materials such as books and cards was impossible. Volunteers from WA Seabird Rescue also joined us but were advised not to set up their gazebo due to the weather.
Despite the challenging conditions, speeches by our members as well as Matt Watson (President pictured below) from WA Seabird Rescue were well received by a gathering of community members, along with Member for Bicton, Lisa O’Malley, Mayor Katy Mair and
Who can you call if you become aware of birds in distress who need help?
WA Seabird Rescue – 08 6102 8464
📞 Wildcare Helpline (Parks and Wildlife- DBCA) – 08 9474 9055
Ballet of Black Swans
A couple of weeks ago, Jennifer Sumpton from our group captured an amazing video of ten Black Swans gliding gracefully in formation past samphire and coastal saltmarsh into Alfred Cove. With cyclists and passing traffic in the background, the footage beautifully showcases our urban bird sanctuary, where wildlife and city life exist side by side. The video has attracted an impressive 53,300 views. If you missed it when it was first shared, you can watch it at this link (1) Facebook
🙏 Finally, thank you for your continued support!
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
MelSafe - 131 247 Anytime, day or night, to get help when you need it. MelSafe includes Rangers and the Community Safety Service.
Contact Wildcare Helpline (Parks & Wildlife - DBCA)
08 9474 9055
Contact WA Seabird Rescue
08 6102 8464