Yarra Birrarung words. Sacred.

‘Strong Words for the Yarra Birrarung'

We made a very big fabric document - that’s me and many other enthusiasts - called ‘Strong Words for the Yarra Birrarung.’ The intention of the project Eco-inking by the Birrarung (2024) was to create advocacy for the river and especially the importance of the river corridor in climate change. ‘Strong Words’ was displayed at Fed Square as part of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association’s 2024 Riverfest.

Each word is written in ink made from fallen barks of trees in the Yarra Birrarung Corridor. Each tile is made of eco-dyed fabric from pillow waste, dyed during the project PillowTalk.

Annie and Theresa, participant in the project

What word would you choose?

I was surprised by how much participants enjoyed being asked to distil the value of the river into a word. Writing with a stick or feather dipped in bark ink really appealed to them as well.

Some of the words are in languages other than English, or in English from people from diverse cultures. I was moved by how these participants became champions for the river and the fabric document.

I was surprised by how many people spoke of the river as sacred.

Play play play with natural pigments

Along with the fabric piece, I conducted playful walks and workshops in which we spent time by the river and made paintings using petals, leaves and barks. ‘The Great Yarra Colouring Class’ was a lively afternoon with adults and kids playing and constantly asking for more materials!

Thanks to City of Yarra for a Climate Action Grant to conduct this project, and to Yarra Riverkeeper Association for auspicing it.

The Great Yarra Colouring Class materials