The cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits of the Goulburn River — or Kaiela in Yorta Yorta language — will be in the spotlight this Sunday, September 25.
RiverConnect will host an event in recognition of World Rivers Day at KidsTown and The Flats between Mooroopna and Shepparton from 11am until 3pm.
Greater Shepparton City Council director sustainable development Geraldine Christou said millions of people in more than 100 countries would be celebrating World Rivers Day.
"Our rivers connect our communities, with the Broken River meeting the Goulburn River in the heart of Shepparton,” she said.
“Community members continue to enjoy what the rivers have to offer, with fishing being a favourite pastime.”
The Goulburn River is a heritage river and Victoria’s longest river.
The ecosystem it supports provides important habitat for native plants and animals including threatened squirrel gliders, platypus, Murray cod, Murray crayfish, river red gums, grey box, silver wattles, gold dust wattles, billy buttons, blue devils and kangaroo grass.
“Come and join RiverConnect at KidsTown and enjoy some popcorn during a screening of the cinematic masterpiece River at 11.30am,” Ms Christou said.
“There will be lots of activities for the whole family and a free community barbecue.”
From 1.30pm there will be an opportunity to take part in a cultural walk on The Flats with Uncle Ruben Baksh to learn about significant events and hear personal stories of life growing up on the banks of the Goulburn River.
To register for World Rivers Day RSVP to RiverConnect on 5832 9714 or via riverconnect@shepparton.vic.gov.au