Tributary Session 1: Gathering, Greeting

with Scarlet Sykes Hesterman & Dennis Liu

In this first morning session of the weekend, we start the weekend with gathering – gathering together, and gathering materials, our thoughts, feelings and intentions for the weekend together.

Questions for this session:

How might greeting feel like through the senses?
How might we gather and un-gather?

Gathering, Greeting is a gentle opening to conversations with the creek, ourselves and each other through a series of playful activities that weave together meditation, movement, drawing, expression and dialogue. Greeting each other, the waterway and all its living entities.

This session will begin with a series of guided meditations and movements with Dennis. Participants will be invited to explore different textures of presence, attention, and sensations through playful prompts and games as we land in place together.

Drawing prompts will then be introduced with Scarlet. Participants will be invited to play with watercolour pencils, noticing and responding to the movements and soundscapes of insects, birds, trees, waterflow and environment on the day.

We will explore a multitude of ways to greet and be greeted… listening, embodying, mimicking, responding.

We will gather, ungather and regather.

All materials are provided.
Different options and adaptations of activities will be offered for participants to engage with at their own comfort level.
For this session we will meet at NECCHi East Coburg and walk together to the Merri. As this session will take place outdoors along the creek – please wear suitable shoes that are good for walking over uneven ground, water bottle, snacks, sun/rain protection

Please get in touch with any access needs

Session facilitators:

Scarlet Sykes Hesterman (she/they) is an artist, educator and conservationist in training. Scarlet teaches animation and encourages humans to connect with ecologies through the natural world, art-making and community. scarletsykeshesterman.com

Dennis Liu (he/him) is an interdisciplinary artist who explores movement, music and improvisation. He is drawn to the lyrical and poetic spaces that can emerge when we offer presence to ourselves, each other and our wider environment. He is currently completing a Masters of Therapeutic Arts Practice at the MIECAT Institute.

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This event is an inclusive and intersectional space. Everyone of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities, genders, bodies and abilities is welcome.

Nature-hearted Collective acknowledge Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country where these workshops take place and express our respects to First Nations Elders and to all First Peoples

This workshop is part of:

Tributary for Birrarung Riverfest

a Nature-hearted weekend for Birrarung Riverfest 2026. Click here to see all events

About Birrarung Riverfest

This event is part of the 2026 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October.

Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest.

Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Contact the host of Tributary Session 1: Gathering, Greeting