Active Rivers Collective (ARC) is a movement to rebuild Sydney’s inland beach culture. We bring communities, councils, government agencies and aquatic organisations together to create safe, welcoming inland beach precincts for everyone to enjoy.

Our ambition is to see 20 inland beaches across Sydney by 2030, delivered safely and affordably.

Our focus is access, capability and culture: improving access to natural waterways, building water safety skills and confidence, and supporting swimming, paddling and community activities that bring people back to the water.

We want these accessible water precincts to support stronger local economies and healthier, more connected communities. We believe inland beaches can create opportunities for local businesses and jobs, encourage active lifestyles, improve safety, health and wellbeing, and provide welcoming places where people come together, build connections and share a sense of belonging.

We connect existing expertise with local ideas to turn ambition into practical action. By helping communities activate and care for their waterways, we aim to make enjoying the local river or lake part of everyday life, with more people participating safely, confidently and together