The youth of Kyogle were asked what their number one priority was and they said it was ‘is looking after the health of the river and they want to be involved in healing it’.
‘The Rivers and Stars project is a year-long, community-led project run by Kyogle Together and proudly funded by The Department of Regional New South Wales. The project uses story to bring stronger connection between people, the rivers and the night sky across the Kyogle LGA, to help improve the health of all,’ explained Ilka Nelson, Project Coordinator for the Rivers and Stars project.
Free events coming up
Brendan Cox from River Ecology Australia will be holding a citizen science workshop for anyone interested in helping monitor the health of the Richmond River on May 2.
This will be followed by an evening with Duane Hamacher, discussing his book The First Astronomers at the upcoming Kyogle Readers and Writers Festival on May 17.
‘Duane is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne,’ said Ilka.
‘Duane will discuss his book The First Astronomers which was guided by six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, and takes us on a journey across space and time to reveal the wisdom of the first astronomers, pointing the way for a world looking to a future in the cosmos.’
Duane will be joined by First Nations scientist Corey Tutt OAM. Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that connects young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEM subjects. In 2020, Corey was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year.
‘The objective of the broader Rivers and Stars project is to give agency to the community through story to help the health of the rivers and expand our understanding of the night sky,’ said Ilka.
‘Kyogle Together has collaborated with the following organisations to strengthen our community reach and we are thankful for their involvement: Kyogle Readers and Writers; Richmond Riverkeeper; Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare Network; The Office of Regional Youth; Aunty Karli, Ngunya Jargums; Githabul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation; Woodenbong and Bonalbo Central Schools and Tabulam Primary School; and Kyogle Council.’
All projects are free to participate in and registration is required. If you would like further information or you have a story to share about the Richmond River, Clarence River or the Night Sky. Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
A number of events and workshops have already been delivered, including a citizen’s science event last September with Australian Fireflies expert, Lesley Ballantyne. There are future opportunities for the community to participate in before the project concludes in June.
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