Summary of Birrarung Council meetings, activities and events from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025:

  • 10 Monthly meetings
  • 6 Birrarung Council Elder meetings
  • 5 Yarning Circles with responsible public entities.

In the period between the end of the financial year and submission of this report, council have undertaken 4 additional Yarning Circles.
Yarning Circles conducted outside of the reporting period have been used to inform this report.

The Birrarung Council has undertaken several activities in accordance with its statutory advice and advocacy functions, listed below.

Opening event for Reimagining Birrarung 2070

National Gallery Victoria, Fed Square, August 2024

Birrarung Council members attended the exhibition opening and Uncle Andrew Gardiner provided a Welcome to Country and spoke on behalf of the Birrarung Council.

Outcome

A vital opportunity to share the River’s status as a living entity with the general public through this opening event and the exhibition as a whole.

Birrarung Council meeting with Minister for Planning

August 2024

Birrarung Council members met with the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny in the Parliament of Victoria to discuss the role of the Birrarung Council and Council’s views on Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo implementation.

Outcome

Establishing a relationship with the Minister to ensure knowledge and understanding of Birrarung is prioritised and to advocate for planning reforms to give effect to Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo.

VicWater annual conference

September 2024

Erin O’Donnell facilitated a panel discussion featuring Dr Sarina Loo (CEO, Victorian Environmental Water Holder) and Jackson Chatfield (Executive Officer, Birrarung Council).

Outcome

The 2024 conference focused on the environment and explored how to care for Country and embrace environmental stewardship. This panel showcased the power of partnership with Traditional Owners and the recognition of living Rivers.

Yarra Riverkeeper: Birrarung Riverfest

September 2024

Birrarung Council members spoke at 2 community events.

Outcome

To advocate on behalf of the River and to increase community awareness and understanding of the Birrarung Council and its roles and responsibilities under the Birrarung Act.

Wurundjeri Water Return Ceremony

October 2024

Aunty Di Kerr, Uncle Andrew Gardiner and Chris Chesterfield spoke at this important event hosted by Wurundjeri Corporation at Heide Museum of Art.

Outcome

A return of water to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung as a cultural water licence on Birrarung. Birrarung Council has consistently advocated for this water return, to support Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung obligations to care for Birrarung.

Reimagining Birrarung 2070

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects National Symposium, October 2024

Alexandra Lee and Erin O’Donnell spoke at this National Landscape Architecture symposium about the Birrarung Council’s role with the River, the exhibition and the River as a living entity.

Outcome

Showing Victorian leadership in waterway legislation and showcasing the role of the Birrarung Council and the living Birrarung.

Yarra Collaboration Committee (YCC)

Workshop at Heide Museum of Art, February 2025

Uncle Dave Wandin, Zena Cumpston and Birrarung Council Executive Officer Jackson Chatfield attended on behalf of Birrarung Council.

Outcome

Modelling how organisations can support and champion a 'healthy reciprocal relationship with Birrarung'.

Yarning Circle with Minister Sonya Kilkenny

April 2025

The Yarning Circle focused on 3 themes: relationships with the Birrarung as a living entity; Traditional Owner partnerships, community concerns for the River and the Minister’s role in supporting Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo outcomes.

Outcome

To continue the sharing of knowledge between the Birrarung Council and the Minister for Planning. The Minister announced the gazettal of VC281, an important step forward.

Birrarung Council trip into Upper Yarra Catchment

April 2025

Members of the Birrarung Council, Melbourne Water, and Wurundjeri Narrap Rangers visited the source of Birrarung.

Outcome

New perspectives of Birrarung’s health and care were gathered, enabling Birrarung Council members to know the River from source to sea.

Seminar for Planners on implementing Part 2 Land-use Framework

May 2025

Birrarung Planning Scheme Amendments briefing session for public and private entity statutory planners: Uncle Andrew Gardiner provided opening comments as a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder and also as a Birrarung Council member.

Outcome

Reinforcing the Birrarung's cultural significance and the importance of giving effect to Birrarung Act Principles in planning decisions.

Chris Chesterfield and Erin O’Donnell presentation at Stormwater Victoria conference

Wangaratta, June 2025

A conference dedicated to the idea that thoughtfully managed stormwater holds great potential to transform our cities and towns providing water security, reducing flood risk, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering resilient, cooler, and greener urban environments.

Outcome

Showcasing the living Birrarung and the role of the Birrarung Council, and helping stormwater professionals understand how this affects their work.

Page last updated: 20/11/25