Memories of the Billabong and Health of the River
Event description
Join us for a walk along the billabong and river, with participants reading the landscape through its vegetation and natural features, while also exploring the area's water systems—including stormwater drains, flood management, and WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design) treatments.
The walk will also address themes of land ownership and custodianship and consider the park's future potential in relation to the Birrarung. In the second half of the event, participants will come together to create a large, collaged map on the ground using dyes, site materials, and water-based paints. This collaborative artwork will embed stories, memories, and ideas, becoming a space for reflection and aspiration about what the park could become.
This event will be led by Maria Bulmaga of Petrichor Collaborative.
Family friendly: Children are warmly welcomed to participate in the event. There will be space for guided discussions about nature and the river’s ecology, where children can learn about local plants, animals, and the role of wetlands. Creative activities will encourage them to reflect on what the river means to them and contribute their own ideas to the collective visioning process.
Accessibility: The site is not wheelchair friendly and the topography may limit some participants' ability to complete the full walk. However, an abbreviated route will be available, and the artwork session will be held on terrain that is accessible to all. Riverfest welcomes everyone—we’re committed to making our events accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. If you have accessibility needs and require support to attend, please email carolyn.tate@yarrariver.org.au
About Riverfest
This event is part of the 2025 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate our river at one of 60+ events hosted over three weeks from 6–28 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association.
Check out the full Riverfest program here.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.
Our Partners:
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