Richmond RiverFest 2024 is a month-long festival celebrating all the good things we experience in, on and around the river - and it starts this Sunday.

Kristin Den Exter is the coordinator of the event, produced via the Richmond RiverKeeper Association, and it is still growing. Kristin is very excited about what this will mean for the culture and communities around the river.

“I'm loving that there are events along the whole catchment, from Lismore to Kyogle, Coraki to Ballina, and even the Brunswick catchments have come on board with some events as well,” says Kristin.

The Brunswick Riverkeeper movement is producing positive change with their waterway, similar to the Richmond Riverkeeper Association's efforts.

 The inkling for the festival began two years ago with the idea to get the whole catchment involved. After a successful upper catchment RiverFest last year, this year the whole river is celebrated, and more.

“We've got paddles, canoe trips, there's picnics, planting trees, water bugs, there's a bug and beer science in the pub. So I think there's something for everybody. The way these events are being planned is to engage people of all ages, including young people.”

The festival program is still being added as organisations hear about it and want to get involved.

(The confluence where the mighty Richmond meets the Wilsons River at Coraki)

“The festival program is building, so we'll promote events week by week.”

The festival launches at Lismore with the “River Time” event, sponsored by the Lismore City Council.

“It's a four-week festival launching on World River's Day this Sunday, September the 22nd.

“It's a lovely way of bringing the RiverKeeper network together and reaching into our communities and doing what we love, which is enjoying the waterways and being good custodians of our river.”

Ballina Shire Council are also premiere sponsors, and, “they will support the end of the Festival event, “Where Waters Meet” at Coraki on the 20th of October.”

Anyone with a business or an idea that can help celebrate the river is invited to get in touch. Kristin says, “As long as you host the event before October 20, I can include it in the festival.” 

Find out about all the events at the Richmond RiverFest website, and don't forget to check back weekly!

If you have an idea that will add to the Richmond RiverFest line up, email Kristin to discuss the opportunity.

For more info on the RiverKeeper programs, click below:

Richmond Riverkeeper Association

Bruns Riverkeeper Alliance