Riverfest

This year’s Riverfest program offers a wide range of events and activities for you to connect with the Parramatta River and its surrounding creeks and environment and help make a difference. More events will be added in coming weeks, so check back regularly to see what’s on!

DURING RIVERFEST 

National Biodiversity Month

Biodiversity is often described as ‘the web of life’, encompassing all living things and their ecosystems. This event is held each year to help promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity. Unfortunately, there are many threats to Australia’s biodiversity, including habitat destruction, introduced species, poor fire management and climate change.

You can help protect Australia’s biodiversity in lots of ways, such as by taking part in National Wattle Day and National Threatened Species Day. Find out more.

SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2025

World Clean Up Day

The World Clean Up Day annual event unites volunteers, governments and organisations in 191 countries to tackle the global waste problem and help create a more sustainable world.

Check this page for clean-up events being organised across the catchment. There will be groups in every part of the catchment, volunteering to help protect habitat. Find out more.

SUNDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2025

World Rivers Day

World Rivers Day celebrates the world’s waterways, highlighting the many values of our rivers and encouraging greater public awareness and improved management and protection. It started in Canada, where community action has restored rivers to help the salmon run free. Find out more.

A key goal of Riverfest is to provide opportunities for the community to connect with their local waterways, environment and each other. Volunteers play a vital role in helping to run many of the events and activities.

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people and have fun, learn more about your local area or support a cause you’re passionate about.

Riverfest offers many ways to volunteer, such as participating in citizen science activities, litter clean-ups or helping out at community events. Your contribution, no matter how small, makes a big difference to the success of Riverfest and allows more people to learn about and connect with the Parramatta River and its surrounds.

If you would like to learn more about ways you can volunteer for Riverfest, please contact the Riverkeeper, Camila Drieberg, at: riverkeeper@ourlivingriver.com.au.

Riverfest is an opportunity for community groups, councils, state government agencies and other organisations to showcase the work being done in the Parramatta River catchment to improve the health of our local waterways and provide opportunities for the community to connect with and support their local environment.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest are now open for Riverfest 2025. We invite you to share creative ideas to help the community care for, connect with, and reimagine the future of the Parramatta River.

Previous events include community bush care and clean-ups, webinars, panel discussions, sustainability workshops, art, trivia, walks, swims, paddles and more.

To register your expression of interest, click here and complete the form.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, 31 July 2025.

All expressions of interest will be reviewed by PRCG and a response provided in early August 2025. 

If you would like more information, please contact the Riverkeeper, Camila Drieberg, at: riverkeeper@ourlivingriver.com.au.