Youth-led Ecological Restoration and Planting at the Murnong Patch

The Murnong Patch is an ecological revegetation site cared for by school students, parents, teachers, environmental organisations, Wattle and ACF as well as community members. Folk of all abilities, backgrounds and skill-levels are invited to get their hands dirty, connect with nature and learn about urban biodiversity.

Respecting and uplifting Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Culture and knowledge in the caretaking of this space is important to us. You will be given the opportunity to help weed, landscape and plant endemic plants besides the Birrarung.

Join us in learning how to preserve pockets of wildness in the city and protect the more-than-human lives that inhabit our backyards. Participate in workshops to learn about the complex history of the Murnong plant in relation to Koori Culture and colonisation, as well as other ecological lessons.

Stick around for a BBQ and communal morning tea around the yarning circle where you can have a yarn with new friends or simply gaze through the understory and down at the misty river.

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

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

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.