Rag Tag Procession, the bend that disappeared 

A Rag Tag procession in spring in a very special place! Oh so easy for adults, young people and kids to join in. Annie Bolitho [https://www.anniebolitho.com.au] will bring bark and flower pigments for rag beautifying, and Ria Soemardjo [https://www.riavoice.com/] distinctive, haunting sounds. 

We’ll all gather before wandering down to where the river once ran. Absorb a little of what’s happened in this place over time. Wander on. Pause to consider: did the bend in the Birrarung actually disappear? Continue on to make connections with ancient trees, remnants of the river. Listening. Re-finding the river. Marking our small ceremony.

For children there will be dress ups and baskets to carry for important findings.

This event is presented thanks to a City of Yarra climate action grant, with artists Annie Bolitho and Ria Soemardjo.

Please note: On the previous Saturday, 20th September between 11am and 12.30pm anyone is welcome to come and prepare elements of the procession – making rag tag stuff and learning more about upcycling with pigment inks, and techniques like smearing, tearing, and joining with knots and easy stitches. This will take place in the grounds of Burnley Gardens.

Accessibility: The event is fairly wheelchair friendly. 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

Meeting place: 500 Boulevarde Drive entrance to Burnley Gardens.

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 and our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Melbourne Water.
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: