River Lessons - Ecology, truth-telling and importance of nature for young people.

Join us on the banks of the river Birrarung to learn about fragments of our history, present and future that are often missed out on in the classroom. We will begin with learning about the colonial trauma that pervades our landscape, taking notice of the negative, ongoing effects it has on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities, Country, and wider society.

We will share the story of the Murnong, a tuberous root vegetable and staple food source for Wurundjeri people that was brought to the brink of extinction by sheep grazing. Practise ecological field skills, such as plant ID, botanical drawing and learning the scientific and Indigenous species names of plants and animals.

And much, much more… This is a day of reflecting on our collective past, appreciating the more-than-human lives who inhabit our backyards and cultivating presence and compassion amid the chaos of the world right now.

If you are inspired, there will be an opportunity to weed the riverbank till your hearts content. Stick around for a communal morning tea at the yarning circle. We extend our welcome to folk of all abilities, backgrounds, and knowledge-levels to this space.

This event is intended for young people between the ages of 15 - 29, but of course anybody is welcome. We hope that after today you are closer to feeling a deeper sense of belonging within your local ecosystem and community and may return to the river as a friend.

This event is being led by Wattle, Melbourne Girls College and Australian Conservation Foundation.

Location: It is situated besides the bike path between the Birrarung and Melbourne Girls’ College in Burnley.

What to Bring: 💧 Water (stay hydrated!) 👟 Sturdy shoes (for comfort and safety) 🧢 Hat (for sun protection) Hope to see you all there! 🌿🌟

Accessibility: This planting part of this event is not 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

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.