Celebrate the Birrarung for World Rivers Day
This World Rivers Day, join Yarra Riverkeeper Association and community for an afternoon of culture, creativity and connection, honouring the Birrarung.
The day will begin on Birrarung Marr Walk, just outside The Edge, with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and performances by the Climate Choir and Wurundjeri women dance group, Djirri Djirri.
Inside The Edge, the celebration continues with performances and talks, including the panel discussion Our Yarra Birrarung: Who’s caring for who? hosted by Yarra Riverkeeper Association President Janet Bolitho, in conversation with Wurundjeri woman, multidisciplinary artist and educator, Dr Mandy Nicholson; the co-founder and managing director of landscape design company Australian Ecosystems, Brendan Condon; Chair of the Birrarung Council, Chris Chesterfield; and Wildlife and Conservation student and emerging environmental activist, Sophie Hart.
Celebrate the book launch of Prayer for a River, a poetic reflection on Country and care by Uncle Glenn Loughrey and Andrew Kelly, with book readings and a book signing to follow.
The day will conclude with educational activities where you can learn more about the Birrarung, and afternoon tea.
Registration is free.
Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association in partnership with Fed Square as part of RESET – A festival for greener living, and Birrarung Riverfest 2025, supported by Melbourne Water.
About Yarra Riverkeeper
Association The Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA) supports and shares the many community voices along the Yarra River, the Birrarung. They are an independent, community-led organisation of advocates who represent and protect this iconic Melbourne waterway.
About Birrarung Riverfest
Birrarung Riverfest is supported by Melbourne Water. The festival honours the Birrarung as a living entity – inspiring collective care and shared responsibility for the river’s health and future. Riverfest offers a moment to reflect on how we care for the Birrarung, including the impact of stormwater on our waterways.