In Dubbo for their trial game against the Bulldogs, the Canberra Raiders took the opportunity today to announce they are supporting the campaign to help revive our sick and sorry rivers and lakes. Josh Miller from the Raiders Senior Leadership Group has become an ambassador for the not-for-profit organisation RiverSmart Australia.

CEO of RiverSmart Dr Bill Phillips said, "We're delighted to have Josh and the Raiders supporting us. Our goal is to make people aware that there are lots of things each and every one of us can do to help bring our rivers back to life. As the saying goes, it all starts with you."

Josh Miller hails from Forbes in the Central West where RiverSmart has had a campaign running along the Macquarie River for nearly 18 months. "As a boy from the bush I know how important rivers are to rural communities. I grew up on the Lachlan which is really doing it tough at the moment. Rivers are our lifelines so we can't afford to let them go down the gurgler."

One of the issues RiverSmart is focussing on is fishing; the great Australian past time. "Fishing is our biggest recreational activity," said Dr Phillips, "but as the rivers have become degraded and carp, red fin and willows have moved in there are now less of our native fish to catch. We want to see that trend reversed by helping communities to take action to improve river flows, cut down pollution and reduce the number of pest fish."

"I'm a keen fisherman so I'm right behind what RiverSmart's trying to do. Less carp and more cod I say. If we can get more people out throwing a line in and catching good fish, then that will encourage them to do the right thing by the river."

One of the initiatives in the Central West that RiverSmart, with its partner the Central West Catchment Management Authority is supporting is the catch and release fishing competition at Lake Burrendong this coming Easter. "We're also in discussions right now with the organisers of that event about holding a similar competition along the Macquarie river this coming spring", said Dr Phillips.