Maya Ward

Author, Storyteller/Performer, Social Commentator

Maya Ward walked the length of the Yarra River from the sea to the source and wrote the book The Comfort of Water: A River Pilgrimage to share her tale. She is passionate about education in creative environmental problem-solving and works as an eco-urban design consultant and writer when not planting trees and growing vegies.

What are you passionate about?

Exploring the questions around how we can live sustainable, ethical lives in this time and place.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Sense of place, home and belonging, environmental activism and philosophy, adventure, natural and cultural history, sustainable cities and agriculture, creeks and rivers.

What other jobs have you had?

Musician, urban designer, tree planter, Permaculture teacher, and festival director.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Initiating the community project of walking the length of the Yarra River, the event which inspired my book. Keynote speaker at 2009 Parliament of World Religions, addressing an audience of 4,000 on the theme of pilgrimage and rivers. Performing my music at Woodford Folk Festival main stage. Being part of the design team of the award-winning Rouse Hill Town Centre. Directing the award-winning CERES Harvest Festival, which I founded.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I now live at one of the most beautiful spots on the Yarra River – the little town of Warburton. I’m loving planting trees and learning how to grow food in the area.