A celebration of a living river
by Charlotte Sterrett
4th August 2025
NAARM, MELBOURNE will once again host the Birrarung Riverfest, a three-week long grassroots celebration of the iconic Birrarung, Yarra River culminating on World Rivers’ Day.
From September 6 to 28, journeying from Warburton to Westgate Park, this year’s festival features more than 60 events to bring communities and the river together to inspire collective care and deepen our connection to the heart blood of our city — the Birrarung.
Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA) in partnership with Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo and Melbourne Water, Riverfest embodies the principle that what’s good for the Yarra is good for all, through activities that engage the head, heart, and hands.
It’s a wonderful and heartwarming example of how grassroots communities, local governments, and those that already care for the river can come together to imagine a better future for a river that has a catchment of over a 4,000 square kilometres and sustains the life of a third of Victoria’s human and animal population.
Now in its third year, Riverfest continues to grow from its humble beginnings (the first year saw 16 events).
It is growing into a powerful community-led movement.
As Paul Kelly sang:
“From little things, big things grow.”
Riverfest brings together Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Traditional Owners, local councils, artists, educators, scientists, everyday riverkeepers, and river-lovers to celebrate the Birrarung as a living entity, which is a concept enshrined in the Yarra River Protection Act, 2017 (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron).
This legislation recognises the river’s cultural and ecological significance and calls on all Victorians to protect her health and future.
The 2025 program offers a range of unique of experiences along the river’s length.
Highlights include:
- Guided walks and clean-ups along the riverbanks
- Creative workshops and art installations
- Live performances, storytelling, and cultural ceremonies
- Educational talks and panel discussions on river health and climate adaptation
- Paddling adventures and community picnics.
Events are organised by a variety of hosts, from local artists and educators to community groups and environmental organisations.
Every individual and organisation brings their unique perspective and passion for the river so that festival participants can experience first-hand how to celebrate, connect and care for Birrarung.
There are, of course, local activities for Warrandyte folk including:
- Know the Flow: River Education for Kids (two sessions with Manningham Council),
- Drawing as Conversation with Craig Burgess, and
- a paddling event led by Up the Creek.
The festival culminates and concludes on World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 28, with a celebration at Federation Square.
This final event brings together river champions from across Victoria for a day of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to ongoing river stewardship.
Highlights from the day will include:
- A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Djirri Djirri dancers
- A flotilla of boats gathering near Queens Bridge
- River songs performed by the Climate Choir
- A thought-provoking panel discussion, “Our Yarra Birrarung: Who’s Caring for Who?”, featuring voices such as Dr Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri woman), Brendan Condon (Australian Ecosystems), and Chris Chesterfield (Birrarung Council Chair)
- A showcase of Prayer for a River, a new book by Uncle Glenn Loughrey and former Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly.
As the Birrarung flows from the mountains to the sea, so too does the spirit of this festival — it reminds us that rivers like the Birrarung are not merely resources but living entities with rights of their own and stories to tell, if only we will listen.
For the full program and event details, visit riverfest.org.au
This article was written by Charlotte Sterrett, former Yarra Riverkeeper and member of WarrandyteCAN and Advocates for a Swimmable Birrarung.
