River Youthfest

OzGREEN is an independent, non-for-profit, environmental organisation focused on enabling community-driven sustainability solutions. Founded in 1992 they have run many citizen science projects throughout Australia.

In 2024/25 OzGREEN received a grant of $2500 from Bellingen Shire Council’s Environment Levy Community Fund project, to conduct River Youthfest, a collaborative day to bring the local community together and rejuvenate a stretch of council owned riparian zone at Lavenders Bridge.

River Youthfest brought together 550 people on the day to plant an impressive 526 native trees and plants. This will help to stabilise the banks against erosion, increase habitat for native species, and provide resilience in times of flood.

On the day there was a macroinvertebrate (waterbug)  tent set up. Here the youth focused, educational activity allowed participants to get hands on, identifying the different species that can be found in the Bellinger River, and opening their eyes to the aquatic biodiversity right at our doorstep. Understanding the population of waterbugs in our waterways is crucial to gauge the overall health of the river systems. Each species has a particular sensitivity to water quality changes or pollution and their numbers and density can paint a picture of our river's wellbeing.

Part of the facilitation of the waterbug tent included bringing awareness to the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle. As a threatened species, creating conversation and collecting macroinvertebrate data assists in the long-term recovery and support of a species that relies on our river systems.

The event featured local youth bands, a variety of workshops including how to fix your skateboard, flower arranging and a clothes swap. The day had a free BBQ for all those in attendance as well.

Bringing the community together to connect for a fun, educational day out with tangible environmental outcomes was a great success for all.