Events calendar
The Parramatta River and its surrounds offers people a wide range of fun and enjoyable things to do. From popular cultural and community events to clean-up and tree planting days, there’s so many ways you can be involved. We’ve also added relevant environmental observance days so look out for related events and activities in your local area.
January
Putney Beach Official Opening
Wednesday, 22 January
Parramatta River’s newest swim site, Putney Beach, is opening soon! To mark the occasion, a Community Celebration is being held on Wednesday, 22 January from 10am to 1pm. The event will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking/Water ceremony, official opening and plaque unveiling, ‘Splash and Play’ prize giveaway, beach trivia, floaty races, live music, and much more. Find out more.
International Day of Clean Energy
26 January
This day aims to raise awareness and mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. Find out more.
February
World Wetlands Day
2 February
World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1971. Find out more.
International Day of Women & Girls in Science
11 February
This event provides an opportunity to promote full and equal access to, and participation, in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and empowerment. Find out more.
Anniversary of National Apology Day
13 February
This day acknowledges the public apology Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave in 2008, on behalf of the Federal Government, to the Stolen Generations – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities by successive colonial and Australian governments. Find out more.
Clean Up Australia Day – Business
28 February
Get your staff involved and choose a location to clean up to support your local community and help deliver lasting environmental change. Find out more.
March
World Sea Grass Day
1 March
This day highlights the need to promote and facilitate actions for the conservation of seagrass. In the Parramatta River, sea grass improves water quality by filtering pollutants and provides food and shelter for marine life. Find out more.
Sea Week
2-10 March
This annual week-long national public awareness campaign promotes educational issues of relevance to the marine environment. SeaWeek is linked to the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) the “science we need for the ocean we want”. Find out more.
Parks Week
2-10 March
Parks Week in Australia is organised by Parks and Leisure Australia. It celebrates the vital role parks play in creating liveable cities and thriving communities. Parks Week 2024 will focus on the how spending time in our parks and open spaces positively influences our wellbeing. Find out more.
World Wildlife Day
3 March
World Wildlife Day celebrates the diversity of wildlife and marine life that exists. It also aims to raise awareness about the increasing number of endangered species and the importance of conserving their habitats to ensure their survival. Find out more.
Clean Up Australia Day – Youth and Schools
3 March
A Schools Clean Up is a great way to inspire your students to learn about the impact of rubbish on their local environment while playing an active role in their community. Find out more.
Clean Up Australia Day
5 March
Clean up Australia Day is held each year to inspire and encourage communities to clean up and conserve our environment. Find out more.
International Day of Action for Rivers
14 March
This day is dedicated to saving, celebrating, and raising awareness about the importance of rivers. It affirms that rivers are essential, communities need access to clean rivers, and everyone has the right to participate in decisions about their rivers. Find out more.
Harmony Week
18-24 March 2024
Harmony Week is observed for a week in March and includes 21 March which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day is intended to celebrate the cohesive and inclusive nature of Australia and promote a tolerant and culturally diverse society. Find out more.
World Frog Day
20 March
World Frog Day aims to raise awareness of the important contribution frogs make to many ecosystems, including their role as environmental indicators. Many species are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. Find out more.
International Day of Forests
21 March
This day is to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Encouraging activities such as tree planting campaigns. Find out more.
World Water Day
22 March
World Water Day is held annually to highlight the importance of freshwater. This year’s theme focuses on accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. We can all make a difference by changing the way we use, consume and manage water in our lives. Find out more.
World Meteorological Day
23 March
Every 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization commemorates the coming into force of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization on 23 March 1950.
It showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world. Find out more.
Earth Hour
25 March
This day invites people to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness of zero waste initiatives. Waste includes food, natural resource extraction, plastic and electronic waste. Find out more.
International Day of Zero Waste
30 March
Earth Hour aims to raise awareness of energy consumption by turning off our lights for one hour. It also encourages people to adopt other ways they can re-use, buy less, and choose nature-friendly products to help to protect our planet. Find out more.
April
Citizen Science Month
All month
Citizen science month invites public participation in scientific research and aims to generate one million acts of science. Find out more.
National Walk to Work Day
7 April
This day encourages the community to build regular walking into their daily routine and, at the same time, support a worthwhile cause. This year, the event continues to support Diabetes Australia. Find out more.
International Bat Appreciation Day
7 April
International Bat Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to learn about the important role bats play in the ecosystem and biodiversity. Bats contribute towards controlling pests, create rich fertiliser for landowners, and pollinate fruit and flowers.
The Australasian Bat Society Inc (ABS) is the peak body promoting bat conservation throughout Australasia. The ABS aims to promote the conservation of bats and their habitats through the advancement of quality science and the extensive experience of our members. The ABS offers community events, forums, fact sheets and other useful information. Find out more.
Walk to Work Day
7 April
This day encourages Australians to build regular walking into their daily routine. Do you pass the river on your way to work? Find out more.
World Heritage Day
18 April
This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as highlight its vulnerability. Find out more.
Australian Heritage Festival
April-May
The Australian Heritage Festival is the country’s largest community-driven celebration of heritage. This year’s theme ‘Shared Stories’ invites event organisers to help reveal Australia’s layered history by sharing stories of our natural, cultural, built and Indigenous heritage, and encourages the community to build deeper connections by sharing their own rich and diverse stories along the way. Find out more.
Earth Day
22 April 2024
Earth Day is an annual reminder to consider the environment in our busy lives and do what we can to reduce our energy consumption, recycle or repurpose what we buy and conserve and celebrate nature. The theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls to advocate for widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics, rapidly phase out all single use plastics, urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demand an end to fast fashion. Find out more.
May
International Composting Awareness Week
4-10 May 2024
International Compost Awareness Week Australia aims to improve awareness of the importance of compost and promote its use, knowledge and products. Find out more.
World Migratory Bird Day
13 May (and 14 October)
This day aims to raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. This year’s theme will focus on light pollution. Find out more.
National Volunteer Week
19-25 May
This week is an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go. Find out more.
International Day for Biological Diversity
22 May
This day was established by the United Nations to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity in our future. Celebrations are organised by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which forms part of the United Nations Environmental Programme, many national governments, and a range of non-governmental organisations. Find out more.
World Turtle Day
23 May
World Turtle Day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. Find out more.
World Fish Migration Day
23 May
World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) culminates every two years in a global celebration to create awareness about the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers. This international day of events is coordinated by the World Fish Migration Foundation. On World Fish Migration Day, organizations from around the world coordinate their own event around the common theme of: CONNECTING FISH, RIVERS AND PEOPLE. Find out more.
National Sorry Day
26 May
National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, is held each year to acknowledge the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the Stolen Generations, and highlight the ongoing process of reconciliation between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the settler population. Find out more.
National Reconciliation Week
27 May – 3 June
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Find out more.
June
World Environment Day
5 June
World Environment Day is an annual global event hosted by a different country each year to raise environmental awareness and inspire action. The theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, highlights the global plastic pollution crisis and the efforts of governments and businesses to address plastic waste and shift towards a circular economy. Find out more.
World Oceans Day
8 June
Hosted by the United Nations, the day celebrates the role of the oceans in our everyday life and inspires action to protect the ocean and sustainably use marine resources. Find out more.
July
Plastic Free July
All month
Plastic Free July aims to build a global movement that dramatically reduces plastic use and improves recycling worldwide. Find out more.
NAIDOC Week
6-13 July
NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’. Find out more.
World Mangrove Day
26 July
This day raises awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses. Find out more.
National Tree Day – Schools Tree Day
25 July
Schools Tree Day is a great way to inspire students to learn about the local environment while playing an active role in their community. Find out more.
National Tree Day
27 July
National Tree Day provides an opportunity for communities and individuals to do something positive for their environment by connecting with nature. Find out more.
World Ranger Day
31 July
World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide on 31 July to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. Find out more.
August
Landcare Week
5-11 August
Landcare Week is an annual celebration of landcare, to acknowledge the Australians who are actively restoring, enhancing, and protecting the natural environment in their community. Find out more.
Keep Australia Beautiful Week
4-10 August
Keep Australia Beautiful Week is held in late August each year to raise awareness about the simple things we can all do in our daily lives to reduce our impact on the environment and encourage action. Find out more.
National Science Week
9-17 August
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. More than 1000 events are held nationally, including those delivered by schools, libraries, research institutions and museums. Over a million people ranging from children to adults, and science amateurs to professionals take part each year. Find out more.
September
National Biodiversity Month
All month
This day aims to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity. Find out more.
History Week
6-14 September
History week is a state-wide celebration to engage and educate the community about the vitality, diversity and meaning of history and its practice. Look out for events near you. Find out more.
National Threatened Species Day
7 September
National Threatened Species Day is commemorated each year to raise awareness of native plants, animals, and ecosystems that are under threat and reflect on how we can protect them into the future. The day also celebrates the amazing work that is being done to save them by passionate conservationists, researchers, volunteers, and community experts. Find out more.
World Clean Up Day
20 September
World Clean Up Day empowers individuals, communities, organisations and governments in driving sustainable change in waste management practices and cross-sector cooperation through collective action. Find out more.
Riverfest 2025
20-28 September
Riverfest is our annual, premier community event for ‘Our Living River’, celebrating the Parramatta River and surrounding catchment. Learn more about some of the fun and interesting ways you can connect with Sydney’s most iconic waterway and help make a difference. Find out more.
World Water Monitoring Day
21 September
World Water Monitoring Day, established in 2003 by the American Clean Water Foundation, is a global program that encourages public awareness and engagement in water conservation by empowering citizens to monitor local water sources. Find out more.
World Car Free Day
22 September
World Car-Free Day encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day to highlight the many benefits, including reduced air pollution and the promotion of walking and cycling in a safer environment. Find out more.
World Rivers Day
28 September
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. Find out more.
October
World Habitat Day
2 October
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. Find out more.
Australian Wildlife Week
1-6 October
Australian Wildlife Week is celebrated nationally during the first week of October to encourage a positive relationship between humanity and nature. Find out more.
International Day for Disaster Reduction
13 October
This annual event celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face. Find out more.
World Migratory Bird Day
14 October
This day aims to raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. Find out more.
National Ride2Work Day
18 October
Ride2Work Day encourages people who have never commuted by bike before to give it a go, and allows regular riders to stay motivated and encourage their work mates to get involved. Find out more.
National Bird Week
13-19 October
National Bird Week aims to support and celebrate our native and endemic birds. The AussieBirdCount is a great way to connect with the birds in your backyard or local area. The data collected assists BirdLife Australia in understanding more about the birds that live where people live. Find out more.
National Water Week
TBC
National Water Week encourages individuals, communities and organisations to build awareness of and protect our water environments and resources, and learn how to use water wisely. Find out more.
World Day for Audio Video Heritage
27 October
This commemorative day was established by UNESCO in 2005 to raise awareness of the significance and preservation risks of recorded sound and audiovisual documents. Audiovisual archives tell us stories about people’s lives and cultures from all over the world. Conserving this heritage and ensuring it remains accessible to the public and future generations is a vital goal. Find out more.
November
Turtle Month
All month
Turtles in Australia make nests and lay eggs in November. The 1 Million Turtle conservation program would like you to join a citizen science project to help track turtles, their nests (disturbed or undisturbed) and other habitat-related matters. Find out more.
The Eastern Long-necked Turtle is one of the Parramatta River catchment’s iconic species. Find out more.
National Recycling Week
10-16 November
National Recycling Week provides an important opportunity for councils, workplaces, schools and individuals to improve their recycling knowledge, build better recycling habits and build trust in recycling. Find out more.
Australian Pollinator Week
8-16 November
This week acknowledges our important and unique insect pollinators during Australia’s spring. It also encourages the community to come together to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and support their needs. Find out more.
Keep Australia Beautiful – Contain Your Waste Challenge
18-24 November
The Contain Your Waste Challenge focuses on reducing waste to decrease litter. You can take part in this challenge at any time, not just in November. Find out more.
World Fisheries Day
21 November
This day is dedicated to highlighting the critical importance of our oceans to human lives, and the sustainable management of the world’s fisheries. Find out more.
World Sustainable Transport Day
26 November
This day recognises the important role of safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems, and encouraging people to make informed transport choices. Find out more.
December
Coastcare Week – Landcare
1-7 December
Coastcare Week celebrates and acknowledges the Australians who are actively restoring, enhancing, and protecting the coastline, waterways, habitat and biodiversity in their community. Find out more.
International Volunteers Day
5 December
This day provides an opportunity for organisations to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contribution made by volunteers, and to encourage governments to support volunteer efforts at local, national and international levels. Find out more.
Human Rights Day
10 December
Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The day is usually marked by high-level political conferences and meetings and by cultural events and exhibitions that address human rights issues. Find out more.
To find out about other events in your local area, click on your council website for more information:
