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This September, thousands of Melburnians will come together for the second everBirrarung Riverfest – a three-week festival for our beloved Yarra/Birrarung River. We speak to Carina Watson from Yarra Riverkeeper Association to find out what's in store for 2024.
Winter mornings on the Birrarung are pretty magical. Carina Watson knows this better than most. She's an avid rower, runner and "river supporter" who spends plenty of time on or beside the water.
This love for the river led Carina to her current role as Operations Manager at theYarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA). "We have a vision for a healthy, protected and loved Yarra-Birrarung," Carina says.
YRKA is one of Regen's valued partners, working toward the goal ofcreating a Swimmable Birrarung. "I'm a big believer in the Swimmable Birrarung project," Carina says.
"The thing I really love about Riverfest is how diverse it is. We've got arts projects, storytelling projects, citizen science, cleanup events, talks and history events."
YRKA also organisesRiverfest, now in its second year. The festival runs September 1-22.
"Riverfest year two is bigger and better," Carina says. "There are so many people up and down the Birrarung who have such a strong connection to it."
The program includes bird watching, a bio blitz, and a river cruise where local writers will read letters to the river.
A mini festival will be held over two days in Warburton. Artist Deb Fisher is using tennis balls from the river to create an art installation, highlighting a stormwater pollution problem.
Riverfest opens September 1 with a Little Explorers event at Studley Park Boathouse and closes with a celebration at Federation Square on September 22, World Rivers Day.
"I hope attendees come away with a renewed appreciation for how special it is to have such a beautiful, natural feature in our city."
"There will definitely be something for everyone," Carina says. "Maybe you're into science and you want to learn something you didn't know, or maybe you just want to have a fun time getting out on the river with friends and family."
Riverfest 2024 runs from September 1 to 22. Check out thefull program.
