Riverfest

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.

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.

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.

Expressions of Interest are now open to host an event for this year’s Riverfest.

We invite you to share your ideas that inspire the community to connect with our local waterways and help care for them.

Events can be big or small, in-person or online, and suited to different ages, interests, and abilities. Ideas for suitable activities include:

• Bushcare, tree planting, and clean-up events
• Guided walks, talks, and heritage tours
• Kayaking, paddling, swimming, and other water activities
• Citizen science and wildlife discovery events
• Sustainability workshops and educational sessions
• Art, music, and creative activities
• Family fun days, markets, and community gatherings
• Webinars, panel discussions, and presentations
• School and youth activities
• Health and wellbeing activities such as yoga or fitness by the water

By hosting an event, you’ll play an important role in creating a vibrant Riverfest program that helps people build a stronger connection with the Parramatta River and its surrounds.

Expressions of Interest close on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

All expressions of interest will be reviewed by the PRCG, and a confirmation provide within two weeks of submission.

For more information, please contact PRCG Riverkeeper, Marion Huxley, at: marion.huxley@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.

Click here to submit your Expression of Interest to host a Riverfest event.

A key aim of Riverfest is to bring people together to connect with local waterways, the environment and each other – and volunteers are a big part of making that happen.

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, have fun, support a cause you care about and learn more about your local area.

There are plenty of ways to get involved, from citizen science and litter clean-ups to helping at community events. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps make Riverfest a success and inspires more people to enjoy and care for the Parramatta River and its surrounds.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering for Riverfest, please contact PRCG Riverkeeper, Marion Huxley, at: marion.huxley@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.