By Mikayla van Loon and Callum Ludwig
The banks of the Birrarung will be met with celebration throughout September as the second annual Riverfest returns.
Promising something for everyone, 14 activities and events will be hosted over two days in Warburton by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association from 14 to 15 September, while the full festival runs until 22 of this month.
The Association’s Nicole Fisher said the events have been designed and grounded in wanting “to connect the community to Country, the Birrarung and each other”.
There’ll be Wurundjeri educational activities, painting the Birrarung workshops, film screenings, cold water therapy, Wayapa Wuurk and much more hosted over the weekend.
In a special treat, local author Maya Ward will conduct a walking tour of the River, combining the reading of passages from her book The Comfort of Water: A River Pilgrimage with small meditations.
And while the activities themselves are about connection, Ms Fisher said appreciating and acknowledging the Yarra, Birrarung, as an important part of the Warburton environment is just as essential.
“Hosting all these events over one weekend will bring people’s attention to the river and create an atmosphere of celebration,” she said.
“This will strengthen people’s understanding of the river and their connection to her, increasing education on the river’s health, and the importance of caring for all her 242 kilometres.
“We are lucky to have this living entity flowing through Warburton.”
Riverfest also acts as a way of understanding tens of thousands of years of traditional worship and protection, creating a mutual response to the betterment of the natural environment.
“The Birrarung holds significant spiritual and cultural value for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people who are her traditional custodians. Birrarung is alive, has a heart and a spirit and is part of their Dreaming.
“By connecting with and caring for the river, we can help foster understanding, reconciliation and healing.”
The river exists as a focal point of Warburton, as a life form but also as, what Ms Fisher termed, an identity.
“As a community, the river is part of our identity. In celebrating the Yarra, Birrarung, we are acknowledging our relationship and connection to her, bringing into our consciousness how important it is to care and protect not just for the Birrarung, but also her surrounding lands.
“Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo – What’s good for the Yarra is good for all.”
With most of the events free to enjoy, thanks to over 20 partnering sponsors, it means everyone can join in the events, whether that be in Warburton or closer to the city.
Ms Fisher said events have been created with head, heart and hands at the centre, to bring “fun, informative and creative activities for everyone”.
As the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan) aim to restore the river to full health, the involvement of the community will be integral.
“The festival and the Birrarung invites you to come together as Melburnians to connect to the river, celebrate her and commit to her care so she can return to full health,” Ms Fisher said.
The entire festival will see more than 40 events being hosted over the three weeks with kids activities, river walks and talks, wildlife prowls, history talks, yarning and storytelling all on offer.
To book a spot or find Warburton based activities, go to ticketing.humanitix.com/tours/warburton-birrarung-riverfest
More about the Yarra Riverkeeper Association can be found here, yarrariver.org.au
