A team of driven Year 9 students is set to represent Melbourne on the global stage this June, presenting at the Swimmable Cities Summit in Rotterdam. Their project? A powerful vodcast that dives deep – literally and figuratively – into the swimability of urban waterways.
The students are part of Crews Not Passengers, an innovative elective designed to empower young people to lead with curiosity, courage and purpose. What began as a local investigation at Blind Creek soon grew into a far-reaching exploration of environmental health, urban planning and civic responsibility.
“Blind Creek’s water quality is slowly improving,” the students observed, “but it’s still not swimmable due to pollution and poor biodiversity.” Their curiosity didn’t stop there. Armed with cameras, test kits, and a desire to learn, they extended their research to Port Phillip Bay, gathering footage, community insights, and expert data to support their compelling narrative.
Their vodcast doesn’t just highlight local issues – it connects Melbourne’s waterways to a global movement. The project explores international leaders and grassroots initiatives championing cleaner waterways, better industry standards and youth-led innovation.
“Change starts with awareness,” one student shared with us recently. “Even small pollution affects many. We want to be part of the solution.”
This summit is more than just a presentation – it’s a powerful example of how education can inspire real-world action. We’re so proud of these students and the message they’re bringing to an international audience.
