Restoring Birrarung Country

Restore Birrarung Country with the ‘Bringing Nature Back’ (BNB), Yarra Initiative that aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change, through reinstatement of original vegetation, strengthening of wildlife corridors along waterways, reducing bushland fragmentation, improving habitat connectivity, and linking the community with nature.

BNB creates accessible, healthy, resilient, and diverse ecosystems in urban areas that reinforces Yarra City Council’s commitment to custodianship of the Birrarung, its parkland and tributaries as ‘one living and integrated natural entity’. Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo – What’s good for the Birrarung, is good for all!

This event aims to infill plant 1750 local native ground cover and shrub tubestock in revegetation sites to increase flora species richness that will improve habitat values for a variety of fauna, including small woodland birds that inhabit Birrarung Country.

Council’s Biodiversity Officers and Ecological Contractors will run the event and provide an insight into ecological restoration techniques used to restore Birrarung country. By participating in this event, participants will have an opportunity to be an active "Human in Nature", assisting to actively heal country locally and leave a legacy for current and future generations to enjoy!

This event is being brought to you by Yarra City Council.

We are proud to be a partner for The Greening the Birrarung project, which brings together Traditional Owners, councils, agencies and communities to restore and protect biodiversity along the Birrarung (Yarra river) from source to sea.

This partnership honours Traditional Owner knowledge which understands the Birrarung is a living entity, enhances wildlife corridors, supports habitat restoration and inspires collective action for a healthier, thriving Birrarung. To find out more go to https://letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/birrarung/greening-birrarung 

Please note: Holes will be pre-dug, to enable participants/children to focus on planting tubestock.

Accessibility: As this will be on sloping land, it is not suitable for wheelchair access. 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 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: