The festival on 13 July celebrated biodiversity and climate solutions in the Northern Rivers.
The World Environment Day Festival returned to Murwillumbah on Sunday 13 July, bringing together the community for a day of environmental education, live music, and collective action from 10am to 3:30pm.
Hosted by Tweed Landcare and the Caldera Environment Centre, this year’s free festival shone a spotlight on the region’s unique biodiversity while promoting practical solutions to climate and conservation challenges facing the Northern Rivers.
The event was MC’d by Community Advocate and Organiser Chels Hood Withey, with an impressive lineup of expert speakers addressing critical environmental issues.
Key speakers included:
- Professor Brendan Mackey (Griffith University) presenting on the Northern Rivers Adapts project – a collaborative research initiative working with Jagun Alliance to build community-led climate adaptation planning for biodiversity
- Gerard Bisshop (Wolrd Preservation Foundation) exploring the realities of our land use and its connection to forest loss and the immense power of reforestation, rewilding, and other initiatives.
- Andrew Turbill (The Bird Guy) demonstrating how bird language can deepen our connection to country and the natural world.
The festival program featured ocean-inspired music from Birren Slabb, heart-warming sounds by The Seeding Band, and performances by the innovative Hoopla Circus. Rainbow Power Company presented on inspiring people-led clean energy futures.
More than 30 information stalls showcased renewable energy solutions, waste reduction initiatives, wildlife care programs, and council conservation projects. Food vans provided refreshments throughout the day, with dedicated kids’ activities providing entertainment for all ages.
“Raising global awareness of environmental issues of our time is important to educating the public and promoting collective action towards a larger global movement for change,” said Isabelle Oude-Egberink, Community Officer with Tweed Landcare.
“We are a part of nature, and nature is a part of us. This festival brings people together on World Environment Day to spark the conversations and connections vital for real change in our region.”
World Environment Day is celebrated internationally on 5 June each year as the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for environmental protection. The Murwillumbah festival extends this celebration locally, highlighting the Northern Rivers’ extraordinary biodiversity and the community’s commitment to its protection.
The event emphasises practical solutions, community collaboration, and the vital role of local action in addressing global environmental challenges. From soil health to songbirds, renewable energy to wildlife conservation, the festival demonstrates how individual and collective efforts can create meaningful environmental impact.
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