Richmond RiverFest 2025 has kicked off with an incredible start — thousands of people across the catchment have come together to celebrate the river that connects us all.
From Ballina’s World Rivers Day celebrations to the Lismore Regional Gallery’s Time to Take Action Town Hall, week one set a powerful tone for the month ahead — one of unity, learning, and action for a healthy river system.
Festival organisers said the opening week reflected the growing energy across the catchment to restore the Richmond River’s health.
“We’ve seen families, Elders, and young people showing up in big numbers — all wanting to be part of the solution,” said Richmond Riverkeeper’s Kristin den Exter. “It shows the deep love people have for this river and how much they want to see it swimmable, fishable and drinkable again.”
Week 1 Highlights:
Ballina RiverFest: over 1,200 people attended, celebrating Country, culture, and community on the riverbank.
Richmond River Rescue Townhall (Lismore): over 60 people participated in inspiring discussions on river restoration and practical actions communities can take.
Restore the Richmond Tinnie Trip: Two long-time river advocates, Graeme Gibson and Steve Posselt, have set off from Ballina, navigated their small tinnie upstream almost reaching Kyogle. Along the way, they’re stopping to host community forums, yarns and media events — sparking conversations about what it will take to bring the Richmond River back to life.
“We travelled the length of the river to hear directly from communities and call for coordinated action,” said Steve Posselt. “Every town we stop in has its own story, but the message is the same — people want to see this river healthy again.”
What’s On – Week 2 Richmond RiverFest 2025 (6 – 12 October)
RiverFest flows upstream this week with another full program of events — from forums and film nights to plantings, paddles and campouts.
Tuesday 7 October – Kyogle
Restore the Richmond River Public Forum
Join the Tinnie Trip team and local speakers to explore solutions for a healthier river.
Wednesday 8 October – Ettrick
Ettrick Wetland Community Planting
Help plant native species to support riparian recovery and wetland habitat.
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 October – Collins Creek
Border Ranges Regen Campout
A weekend of camping, learning and connecting with Country through regeneration.
Friday 10 October – Boatharbour
Riparian Restoration & Rehydration Tour
A guided walk along Wilsons River to see landscape repair projects in action.
Saturday 11 October – Goonellabah & Roseberry
Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Open Day
A family-friendly day celebrating care for Tucki Tucki Creek.
Taste the Tackle – Upper Richmond Carp Muster
OzFish and Landcare team up for a day of fishing, fun and carp removal.
Sunday 12 October – Bungawalbin, Billen Cliffs, North Lismore & Casino
Bungawalbin Creek Picnic & Paddle – a relaxing community paddle on the creek.
Free the Waterfalls Walk (Billen Cliffs) – guided exploration of local waterfalls. Wilsons River Community Tree Planting (North Lismore) – restore the riverbanks with native trees.
Casino River Festival Day – Guided walks, ecology talks, planting, stalls and river celebrations at Queen Elizabeth Park.
For full details, visit richmondriverfest.com.
About Richmond RiverFest 2025 – Richmond RiverFest is a month-long celebration of the Richmond River catchment – its people, landscapes, and lifeblood. Presented by Richmond Riverkeeper in partnership with community organisations, artists, and custodians, the festival runs from 28 September – 26 October 2025.
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Richmond RiverFest 2025: From Sea to Source – The River Connects Us All
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