Tributary Session 4: Reflection & Return

Tributary Session 4: Reflection & Return

with Sheena Mathieson & Craig Burgess

In this final session for the weekend, we reflect on our time together both in support of looking back and of returning to what is ongoing.

In the first part of this session, join Craig Burgess to experiment with drawing as an activity for reflection, in conversation with the reflections of the Merri Merri.

How can drawing support slowing down, noticing and reflection? What is present for us when drawing together in the company of the Birrarung via one its tributaries, the Merri Merri.

In the second part, join Sheena Mathieson in exploring the concept of the palimpsest as a multilayered manuscript of different understandings and appreciations of the Merri Merri and Birrarung, using what has been discovered and made across the weekend.

Create your own palimpsest, as well as contribute to a group work that acknowledges, celebrates and allows for continued reflection on the Merri Merri and Birrarung, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country.

• All art materials provided

• Sessions take place indoors at NECCHi East Coburg and outdoors along the Merri Merri – for outdoor sessions, 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:

Sheena Mathieson (she/her) is a visual artist and community arts facilitator, whose varied practice is united by a respect for difference and the play of colour, form, texture and the found. Sheena is interested in the notions of sustainability and place; making evocative art from recycled and found materials, combined with quality media. sheenamathieson.com

Craig Burgess (he/him) is an artist and facilitator. Craig started hosting drawing workshops in 2023 at the overlap of creative process, nature-connectedness and wellbeing. Craig brings curiosity around drawing’s capacity to support embodied presence, reflection and noticing, and to revitalise a sense of relationship with each other and the more-than-human. drawplantstogether.com

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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.