The International River Foundation has announced the launch of the RiverPatrons Group which will bring together a passionate and respected group of Chief Executives and Chairs from Australian and global organisations who support the restoration, protection and resilience of our rivers.
RiverPatrons champion the International River Foundation's cause and understand the importance of guiding and nurturing healthy and resilient rivers now and into the future. The RiverPatrons annual events will provide an opportunity for the Group's members to collaborate and network with like-minded individuals representing organisations from all over the world – learning and understanding the challenges that our rivers and waterways are facing and how river managers are responding.
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said that the RiverPatrons program is an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate to become global water leaders, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
"I am proud that Brisbane, as a river city, is protecting our fantastic quality of life and our rivers and waterways," he said.
"I am delighted to be the first RiverPatron and look forward to the opportunities that this will present."
Mr Peter Varghese AO, Chancellor of the University of Queensland is also a RiverPatron and will attend the event on Saturday alongside 60 other invited participants.
"As Chancellor of Queensland's oldest and most highly acclaimed University, I am pleased to be part of the RiverPatrons Group and look forward to being the inaugural co-Chair of this esteemed group alongside Mr John McCarthy AO.
The eight inaugural members of the Riverpatrons Group include: the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner AO, Ben Pevreall from Valmont Irrigation, Nicola Irvine from the BMI Group, Jerry Maycock from the Port of Brisbane, Douglas Thompson from Thiess, Martin Albrecht AC from Albrecht Foundation, the Wood Family, John McACarthy AO and The University of Queensland Chancellor Peter Varghese.
