The World Environment Day Festival attracted 300 attendees to Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Sunday (13 July), bringing together families, environmental advocates, and community members for a day of education, action, and celebration.

Hosted by the Caldera Environment Centre and Tweed Landcare, the free festival showcased practical solutions to this year's global theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, through a completely zero-waste event that utilised 100% reusable crockery and cutlery.

The diverse crowd included families with children, environmental advocates, green thumb enthusiasts, and community members passionate about protecting the Northern Rivers' unique biodiversity. Attendees engaged with numerous local environmental groups, renewable energy providers, and wildlife conservation organisations.

Expert speakers addressed critical environmental challenges, including Professor Brendan Mackey from Griffith University on climate adaptation, Dr Owen Hogan from Southern Cross University on fighting plastic pollution, Bird language specialist Andrew Turbill, known as The Bird Guy, discussed how bird language can deepen our connection to country and the natural world, and Gerard Wedderburn Bisshop on forest conservation.

"The event was about showing that we are not alone in tackling the environmental issues of our times. The event was about maintaining and growing an environmentally conscious community, sharing knowledge and empowering each other to tackle the issues together", said Isabelle Oude-Egberink, event organiser from Tweed Landcare.

"World Environment Day proved that when our community comes together, we can demonstrate real solutions to our greatest existential challenges," said MC Chels Hood Withey from the Climate Justice Alliance. "What we don't lack is innovation and community commitment to sustainability - what we lack is political will. From renewable energy to circular systems, the solutions exist and our community is ready to implement them. I hope our decision-makers are listening - there's no excuse for further investment in coal and gas when a thriving, regenerative economy is not only possible, but is being initiated here in the Northern Rivers."

The festival featured live music from local artists Birren and The Seeding, a performance from Hoopla Circus, and dedicated children's learning spaces. Community raffles raised funds for Murwillumbah Community Garden, Team Koala and Tweed Landcare's ongoing conservation work.

Originally scheduled for Knox Park in June, the event was relocated due to weather conditions, highlighting the real impacts of climate change while showcasing community resilience and adaptation.

The festival was supported by sponsors including Husk Rum, Rainbow Power Company, Tweed Shire Council, Murwillumbah Farmers Market and ITV Studios.