This year’s Riverfest once again brought the community together from Sunday 20 September (World Clean-Up Day) to Sunday 28 September (World Rivers Day) to celebrate the Parramatta River catchment. The week-long program featured a record 23 events and activities, including guided wetland tours, seawall education sessions, bike tune-ups, clean-ups, and carp fishing in the river.
The PRCG kicked off the celebrations with a joint Wistaria Gardens and Riverfest event, in partnership with Greater Sydney Parklands. Over two days at Parramatta Park, we connected with visitors, raising awareness of waterway health and inspiring the community to protect and enjoy the river.
A special screening of the documentary I Am the River, the River Is Me at Riverside Theatre offered a powerful First Nations perspective on the cultural and spiritual importance of rivers, reminding audiences of the responsibility we all share to care for waterways for future generations.
Riverfest concluded on World Rivers Day at Putney Park, where the community was invited to paint their vision for a cleaner, healthier Parramatta River. Guided by Dr Leo Robba and students from Western Sydney University, and supported with easels, canvases and paints, participants explored the river through art. Visitors also joined Dr. Ian Wright and his mobile science lab to learn more about water quality and practical ways to protect local waterways, combining art and science to build a deeper appreciation of the river.
