Australia has experienced one of the worst records of recent extinctions worldwide and many more species are predicted to be lost in coming years. The risk of extinction is disproportionately greater for species occupying freshwater ecosystems compared to terrestrial and marine counterparts. Yet, freshwater species are often overlooked or neglected, with their declining occurring out of sight. Drawing on two decades of applied ecology, this presentation will outline the current status and trajectories, and what actions are critically needed (and have been successful) as we collectively attempt to help conserve many of Australia's freshwater species.