No. 45
Hello everyone
The Melville Bird Sanctuary at Point Waylen is moving ahead in leaps and bounds thanks to the excellent work being done by Environmental staff from the Dept of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions and the City of Melville. We've passed the halfway mark of a very busy 2026, and the pace shows no signs of slowing.
🌿Revitalisation of Point Waylen is Underway!
Point Waylen is undergoing a remarkable transformation. It seems hard to believe that not long ago it was plagued by erosion, overrun with weeds, and even used as a rubbish tip. Today, the site is being carefully restored and is coming into its own as a thriving native landscape, a haven for birdlife, and an important community space.
For the past several months, heavy machinery has crisscrossed the site in preparation for planting around 400,000 native plants, laying out of pathways and seating arrangements. On 10 July, a sod-turning ceremony marked the official start of the Point Waylen Revitalisation Project in Attadale. Representatives from all 3 levels of government including Member for Tangney, Sam Lim, Member for Bicton, Lisa O’Malley, A/g Melville Mayor Karen Wheatland, Cr Glynis Barber, CEO, Gail Bowman, City and DBCA staff and project partners from Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary and SERAG attended the event. Whadjuk Noongar Elder Neville Collard conducted the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
The $1.2 million Point Waylen project, funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments is emerging as the ecological and community centrepiece of the Melville Bird Sanctuary. Point Waylen and the surrounding foreshore provide vital habitat for more than 130 bird species, including several critically endangered migratory species.
Over the next 15 months, more than 1.4 hectares of foreshore will be replanted with 400,000 native plants to improve habitat, strengthen the shoreline and increase resilience to climate change and erosion.
Visitors can also look forward to a new bird-viewing area overlooking the estuary, new walking paths, a community gathering space and interpretive signage, celebrating the natural and cultural significance of this special place.
Works are expected to be completed by October 2027. We look forward to the project taking shape and the lasting benefits it will bring for wildlife and for everyone who enjoys this remarkable stretch of the Swan River.
For more information about the project, visit https://www.melvillecity.com.au/our-city/about-our-city/projects-and-works/point-waylen-revitalisation-project
🌳Help replant Point Waylen on National Tree Day – Sunday 26 July(This event will proceed rain, hail or shine!)☀️🌦️
You are invited to join the City of Melville and Planet Ark on National Tree Day as they host the Point Waylen Community Planting Day as part of the ongoing Point Waylen Foreshore Restoration Program.
Roll up your sleeves and join in a rewarding morning of community planting. Every seedling planted helps restore vital habitat for birds and other wildlife, strengthens the foreshore and contributes to the long-term health of the Swan River.
📅 Sunday, 26 July
⏰9.00 am – 12.30 pm
📍Point Waylen, Troy Park, Attadale
(Entrance Opp 194/96 Burke Drive, Attadale – parking nearby)
The morning will include tree planting, two guided bird watching walks with volunteers from Friends of MBS, refreshments and a community BBQ. Whether you're an experienced gardener or trying planting for the first time, everyone is welcome.
The planting site is located within the Point Waylen Reserve, along the Swan River foreshore in Attadale. Once parked, walk toward the river, the planting area will be clearly signed. Look for National Tree Day signage and the City of Melville tent as your meeting point. CoM staff and volunteers will direct you on arrival.
Please dress for the weather and be prepared to get a little wet and/or muddy. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, raincoat, sunscreen.
What’s provided?
✅Gloves, tools and equipment for planting
✅Drinking water
✅Snacks and refreshments
✅BBQ
Please register at: https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031764
📸What does Point Waylen mean to you?
The City of Melville invites you to share your story along with photos, artwork and videos. Your contribution will help shape future interpretive signage, public art and storytelling as restoration of Point Waylen takes place. Help preserve Point Waylen’s legacy for future generations.
For more information and to submit your story, please visit:
🐾Have Your Say on Dog and Cat Management and Exercise Plan
The City of Melville is planning for the future of pets, parks and the wider community. It is seeking community feedback to help shape its new Dog and Cat Management and Exercise Plan. Everyone is welcome to have their say – whether as a pet-owner, non-pet owner, park user, sporting club or community member.
Have your say from 13 July to 10 August 2026. Visit: https://www.melvilletalks.com.au/dogcatplan
We encourage you to complete the survey (at above link) and support measures that balance the needs of pet owners with the protection of wildlife and shared public spaces.This is particularly important for the Melville Bird Sanctuary where shorebirds (particularly migratory birds 🐦) rely on undisturbed feeding and resting areas between each October and March. Responsible pet ownership, including keeping dogs on leads where required, helps protect these vulnerable birds.
Survey closes 10 August 2026
Community pop-up sessions:
• 23 July, 4.00–5.30 pm – Shirley Strickland Reserve (pavilion)
• 26 July, 7.30–10.30 am – Piney Lakes (dog park)
• 6 August, 4.00–5.30 pm – Attadale Reserve (park entrance)
⚠️H5 Bird Flu Detected in Western Australia
H5 bird flu has recently been detected in Western Australia. We encourage everyone visiting the Melville Bird Sanctuary and other natural areas to be vigilant.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, please do not touch or approach them. Early reporting is important.
As per the image alongside, please avoid, record, and Report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
To learn more about H5 bird flu and keep up to date with the latest information, visit:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu#content
Thank you for being part of our community. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to sharing more exciting news and activities about the Melville Bird Sanctuary with you in the months ahead.
🙏 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