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, 21 SEPTEMBER 2024

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.

 

Clean up Toongabbie Creek for Riverfest and World Clean Up Day 2024

Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm (arrive by 9am to sign in and catch the briefing)
Venue: Toongabbie Creek Bridge, Briens Road, Northmead (near Mons Road Tway). Search for 233-225 Briens Road.
Register for this event

Help clean Toongabbie Creek for Riverfest and World Clean Up Day 2024 with the Parramatta River Catchment Group (Our Living River).

We’re celebrating our 8th year of removing litter — almost 1000kg collected last year! Find out what being a ‘Friend of Toonie’ is all about, how we care for Country and how you can easily get involved, too.

• What to bring: Sturdy shoes, long pants, hat, and a refillable water bottle.
• What we provide: Bags, gloves, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, drinking water, and insurance.
• Ideal For: Adults and kids aged 7+, but there are tasks for all ages. Contact us if you have younger children.

September in Wistaria 2024

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (21 & 22 September)
Venue: Wistaria Gardens, Parramatta Park
Find out about this event

Spread out your picnic blanket and soak up some live music at Parramatta’s popular Wistaria Gardens this September. Enjoy the annual floral display of wisteria and cherry blossoms in full bloom!

Kids can dive into creativity at our ‘Art and Nature Connection’ stall, crafting beautiful flower-themed art. Discover cultural traditions and learn about the deep bond First Nations people have with the land. Plus, ignite your curiosity at our ‘Science and Nature Connection’ stall with exciting, hands-on science experiments.

 

 

SUNDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2024

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.

 

 

Spring Clean for Shorebirds – Community Clean Up @ Halliday Park

Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Halliday Park, Five Dock
Register for this event

Join us for our annual Spring Clean at Halliday Park this Riverfest! Roll up your sleeves and help us keep our parks and river clean as we welcome the Bar-tailed Godwits back to our foreshore!

The Bar-tailed Godwit is a cherished symbol of the Parramatta River – a small migratory shorebird that visits our city each spring to feed along our foreshore. Unfortunately, their visits have been declining in recent years, partly due to threats like river pollution and off-leash dogs in breeding areas.

To protect these birds and support Our Living River, come along for a festive community clean-up. All cleaning equipment is provided and there will also be fun activities and a free sausage sizzle for everyone!

Interested in learning how to identify and count birds? Birdlife Australia will be on-site to teach you how to participate in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count this October.

 

Live Stream Regeneration Masterclass

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Gallery Gardens, Picasso Crescent, Old Toongabbie
Register for this event 

Join the River-caring Bushcare group for a hands-on workshop aimed at restoring the natural sidestream of Bogalara Creek. This creek is being green-engineered to stabilise urban areas within the endangered River-flat Forest running through Old Toongabbie.

Register with the City of Parramatta Bushcare Volunteer program to participate. The workshop includes tree and sedge planting along the creek bank, easy hand-weeding, and habitat tours.

Enjoy a morning tea featuring native Warrigal spinach and cheese pastries. Gloves will be provided, but please wear sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing, and a hat.

 

 

TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2024

A Tale of Two Rivers: Reviving our Cities’ Iconic Waterways

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Online
Register for this event

Are you passionate about transforming urban landscapes and breathing new life into our rivers? Join us for this free, inspiring webinar that dives deep into the global movement to make urban rivers swimmable once again – and discover how local efforts are making waves right here at home!

Channel 10’s ‘Planet Shaper’s’ host and Good for the Hood Founder, Jo Taranto, will join presenters from the Parramatta River Catchment Group, Sydney Water, Swimmable Birrarung and Regeneration Projects to discuss how these organisations are leading the way to turn Sydney’s and Melbourne’s iconic rivers into clean, vibrant spaces for recreation and community life. Learn about the innovative strategies and collaborative efforts driving these changes, from water quality improvements to community engagement.

The panel will also explore the first International Swimmable Cities Charter that was launched prior to the Paris Olympic Games, which advocates for 10 key principles that support the right to swim, celebrate urban swimming culture, and honour First Nations peoples’ deep spiritual connection to water.

 

 

WEDNESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2024

YES (Youth Eco Summit) 

Date: 25 & 26 September 2024
Time: 9:30am – 2:00pm
Location: Newington Armory, Jamieson Street, Sydney Olympic Park
Register for this event

YES (Youth Eco Summit) is back in 2024 for its 14th year! Join over 30 providers for interactive workshops, displays, and stage shows focused on sustainability.

Hosted by Sydney Water this year, the event builds on the Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s Education Team’s legacy of teaching students about sustainable practices and Caring for Country.

Visit the Our Living River stand to discover how we’re enhancing the health of the Parramatta River, local creeks, and the surrounding environment for both people and wildlife!

 

 

THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2024

Bushcare Experience

Time: 12:30pm -2:30pm
Location: Mort Bay Community Garden, Bay Street, Birchgrove
Register for this event

Interested in joining a Bushcare group but don’t know where to start? Join Inner West Council’s Urban Ecology staff and long-term Bushcare volunteers for a no commitment Bushcare day! Learn about what a Bushcarer does in a day, including plant identification, weed removal and plantings. Get a feel for the community and satisfaction that comes with joining a bushcare group, all while enjoying the scenic views of Mort Bay! This event has a capacity for 15 people.

 

Where the Rivers Meet the Sea

Time: 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Location: Online
Register for this event

Eighty-five percent of Australians live within 50km of the coast. This session looks at the waste that washes downstream in our catchments, the impacts it has on our estuaries, wetlands and coastal areas where the rivers meet the sea.

In this program students will understand the different journey water takes through a catchment; learn how waste can enter the waterways; discover the impacts of waste on estuaries, wetlands and the coastal habitats; and appreciate that what happens on land can impact our rivers and oceans.

Find out what you can do to protect our coasts and marvellous marine life.

 

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop

Time: 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Inner West Sustainability Hub, 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill
Register for this event

Join Inner West Council’s free interactive workshop to give you all the information you need to set up your own rainwater tank!

Learn about rainwater harvesting in your home with a rainwater tank expert. Talk through installation options, calculate your harvesting potential, how to optimise rainwater in your home and how to maintain a tank. Get up close and personal with working rainwater tanks and Council’s rainwater tank model to get a greater understanding of how rainwater harvesting works.

For Inner West Council locals, this event will also cover the Council’s rebate program and help you start your application process. Enjoy a catered experience with a limited availability of just 25 spots.

 

 

FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2024

Kids Lunchtime Environments Trivia

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Online
Register for this event

Ever wanted to put your scientific knowledge to the test against students from all over Australia? Now’s your chance!

Join this free online trivia event to challenge your environmental knowledge and compete with other kids from your school and across the nation.

 

 

 

SATURDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

Enhancing Habitat for the Striped Marsh Frog

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Duncan Park, Superior Ave, Seven Hills
Register for this event 

Join us in person at this beautiful location to help make a difference for these amazing creatures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to give back, this event is perfect for you. We’ll be working on various projects to improve the environment for the Striped Marsh Frog, so be prepared to get your hands dirty and have a great time doing it. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and make a positive impact!

 

Biodiversi-Tea

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Annandale Community Nursery, 22 Wisdom Street, Annandale
Register for this event

Join Inner West Council’s Urban Ecology staff to discuss all things biodiversity over a cup of locally harvested Lemon Myrtle Tea! Hosted at Council’s Native Community Nursery, we will cover topics such as local ecology initiatives, what you can do in everyday life to support local flora and fauna and Council’s upcoming Biodiversity Strategy. This event will be catered and have a maximum of 25 spots.

 

 

Wetland Family Walk and Talk

Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: William Lawson Wetland, Lancelot Street, Blacktown
Register for this event

Pack a picnic blanket and join us for a morning of family fun at William Lawson Wetland. A hidden gem in Blacktown City, this picturesque parkland features a large, constructed wetland area, lots of ducks and other birdlife, walking paths, and plenty of tree shade. 

Book in for a guided tour to explore the wonders of this unique wetland, joining guides from Landcare NSW and Streamwatch. Learn how wetland systems work and their role supporting local biodiversity and waterway health. Not keen to walk? Get your hands wet testing water quality and catching local water bugs, have your face painted with one of our waterway mascots, or participate in environmental craft and hands-on fun.

This free event is organised by Blacktown City Council as part of Riverfest 2024, an ‘Our Living River’ initiative of the Parramatta River Catchment Group.

 

 

SUNDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2024

Bird Walk in Riverglade Reserve

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Location: Commencing from the reserve side of the Manning Road, Gladesville entrance of Riverglade Reserve.
Register for this event

 

 

 

Paint the River for World Rivers Day

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Government Farm (Parramatta Park), O’Connell St, Parramatta
Register for this event

Celebrate World Rivers Day by participating in ‘The Painted River’ Project, as part of Riverfest 2024! This inspiring event, led by Dr Leo Robba and Dr Ian Wright from Western Sydney University, invites you to express your vision for a cleaner, healthier Parramatta River through art and science.

Easels will be set up along the riverbank, with experienced artists on hand to guide you. Attendees can also explore a ‘mobile science lab’ hosted by renowned water scientist Associate Professor Ian Wright, to learn more about the importance of water quality for healthy cities and human well-being.

A variety of stalls will feature kids’ environmental activities and useful tips on sustainable living and water conservation. Whether you’re an experienced painter or simply passionate about improving our waterways, come join this fun and creative experience. Everyone is welcome, and all materials will be provided!

This free community event is hosted by the Parramatta River Catchment Group and Western Sydney University, as part of Riverfest 2024.

 

 

24U Youth Dragon Boat Event

Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Ryde Dragon Boat Club, Kissing Point Wharf, Putney
Register for this event

Looking for a new summer adventure? Join us for a ‘Come and Try’ session and discover the excitement of Dragon Boating! This event is open to youth and juniors (24 years and under).

Bring water in a plastic bottle, wear comfortable gym-style clothing and wet shoes (like crocs). Don’t forget a towel and a change of clothes! We’ll provide paddles and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Come and give it a go!

 

 

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

We are seeking expressions of interest from relevant organisations and community groups who would like to run an event as part of this year’s Riverfest (21-29 September 2024).

The event can be in-person or online and include activities such as talks, workshops, seminars, walks, working bees or clean-ups.

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

The closing date for expressions of interest has been extended to Thursday, 22 August 2024.

All expressions of interest will be reviewed by PRCG and a response provided by end of August 2024. 

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