With a goal to empower our community to safeguard Geelong's valued waterways and create urban areas that are wildlife friendly, the Geelong Nature Festival presents ‘Our Waterway Backyard’ at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus.

This event, on Sunday 1 October, will uncover what you can do to create and improve habitat for nature in your backyard and help us protect Geelong's iconic waterways. It promises valuable insights and actionable strategies that will enable you to become stewards of nature right in your own backyard.

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan

We are so pleased to be able to showcase local experts who are passionate about preserving and enhancing our natural assets.

They will share their wisdom on topics such as the future of the Moorabool and Barwon rivers, ways of protecting the platypus, and the significance of living in harmony with our local wildlife.

Event attendees will be able to learn from Dr Kylie Soanes from the University of Melbourne, Andrew Harrison of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Emma Holmes from Barwon Water, and Dr Trevor Hodson representing Friends of the Barwon.

They will share their wisdom on diverse subjects such as the future of the Moorabool and Barwon Rivers, ways of protecting the platypus, and the significance of coexisting harmoniously with our local wildlife.

The event kicks off at 10 am and promises a day filled with engaging discussions and activities. Following the informative talks, Deakin's Manager of Sustainability Programs, Zoe Roloff, will lead a tour of Deakin University’s restored wetlands and other revegetated areas.

Chair of the Environment and Circular Economy Portfolio, Peter Murrihy

This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from experts and make a tangible impact on Geelong's waterways and wildlife. You will also be able to take a guided tour of Deakin’s restored wetlands and take part in a community tree planting along Waurn Ponds Creek.

For those unable to attend on Sunday, there will also be a pop-up stall at the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre the following week – Wednesday 4 October, to Friday 6 October, 10 am to 4pm. This display, run by the City of Greater Geelong and local nature groups, will showcase ways to attract wildlife to your garden and how you can become a nature volunteer.

Join us this Sunday at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, and be part of the change that will ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for our beloved Geelong.

To book for these activities, or to discover many other upcoming events, visit the City’s Geelong Nature Festival webpage.