Sport + Waterways + A Ripple Effect...

The line up

Dr. Madeliene Orr: Founder of the Sport Ecology Group and Author of Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport

Charity Mosienyane: Lead Convenor, Swimmable Birrarung, Regen Melbourne

Annabel Sides: Regenerative Sport Practitioner, Green Planet Sport

AND You as you take part in conversations, thinking (and fun) with other future makers (just like you) from sports, clubs, teams, events, councils, environmental agencies, water retailers, catchment management authorities, technology and science innovators and businesses + those with a passion for sport, aquatic landscapes and nature. WE will test the waters together to form new alliances and find new opportunities that can help build the climate resilience of waterways and the communities who play & participate, celebrate & compete on, in and around these landscapes, including our beloved Birrarung|Yarra river. (this is the team to be on)

More about the event

An interactive in person event and workshop (starting at 10am sharp) to explore how sports, live sports events, clubs and teams can work to build climate resilience by diving into clean water regeneration on, in and around the Birrarung.

We will share stories from local and international sports initiatives and alliances and identify the practicalities and partnerships needed to achieve better outcomes for aquatic places of play.

Together we will explore, using the Swimmable Birrarung movement for context, how stakeholders can advocate for the river, build connection, cultural identity, support clean water initiatives, use technology, citizen science and form alliances.

Sports, clubs, teams, events, councils, environmental agencies, water retailers, catchment management authorities, technology and science innovators and businesses + those with a passion for sport, aquatic landsacpes and nature are encouraged to attend.

Remember, our world's rivers and waterways host sports people, fans and some of the biggest sports events on, in and around their banks and shores. The Birrarung and its role in sport and events over time, is perhaps one of our most significant unsung sporting heros.

Rivers and waterways meander from their source to meet the sea, lakes or other tributaries. Interconnected they flow across remote, regional and urban spaces. We expect waterways to be healthy as a field of play, a way finder and a backdrop to our iconic sports events and playful sporting moments.

Waterway health is declining. The sports industry can choose to value and positively act for waterways, protecting and growing biodiversity, reducing pollution and contributing to an equitable and climate resilient future for these landscapes and, for future sports participants and fans.

Event Supporters

This event is supported by and will be co-hosted with Regen Melbourne's Swimmable Birrarung Project.

The event space is bring provided by the Greenline Project Hub.

The event concept has been supported by Riverfest and included in the festival program.

About Riverfest

This event is part of the 2024 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate our river at one of 30+ events being hosted over three weeks from 1- 22 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups 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

Green Planet Sport 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.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live work and play, The Dja Dja Wurrung people, and pay respect to their elders past and present. We acknowledge the connection to country and vast knowledge of caring for country, the lands and waterways, that First Nations people have. These lands have been, since time immemorial, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Green Planet Sport pledges to tread lightly on this planet, thus preserving it for future generations.