Birrarung flows from the mountains to the sea, passing through forests, farmland, suburbs and the city. Birrarung is the traditional name for the river commonly referred to as the Yarra River since European colonisation.
The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 recognises that Birrarung and her surrounding parklands form a single, living and integrated natural entity. The Act establishes a framework for protecting and enhancing the environmental, cultural, social and recreational values of this living entity through planning and decision-making.
Recognising Birrarung as a living entity acknowledges that:
- Birrarung has an inherent right to exist, be respected and be cared for.
- Her values extend beyond individual sites, projects or places.
- Decisions affecting Birrarung can have long term and cumulative impacts.
As a living entity, Birrarung connects past, present and future. Decisions affecting her and her lands should recognise these connections and support her long-term health, wellbeing and resilience.
Birrarung relationship statement
The story of Birrarung comes from our ancestral knowings that Birrarung was created by Bunjil. Birrarung is the lifeblood of our mother, our teacher, our provider. Birrarung speaks to us in many ways. She speaks to us through her waters, through the winds as they move through the river red gums, and in the songs of the animals that are nourished by the waters.
Birrarung lives within, and as, Country - continually shaping, and being shaped by, the landscape. As a living, breathing entity Birrarung has always provided a diversity of shelter for plants and animals. From her banks and flood plains to her many billabongs, Birrarung cares for all who spend time in her company. For thousands of generations Wurundjeri have upheld our custodial responsibilities under Bunjil’s lore: To care for Birrarung in reciprocity and respect, as a living relation, with her own agency, will, and a future.
Birrarung has experienced violent interference in colonisation. Her flows controlled, waters stolen, and direction altered. Many saw Birrarung as a resource and a refuse - a problem that we, together, need to solve. Birrarung has been managed in a way that disconnects her from Country and community. She has been disregarded as our mother, and her voice ignored by those who wish to exploit her.
We have always been, and will always be the custodians of Birrarung. This duty of care cannot be severed. We hold Birrarung as central to our identity, and we return to her for healing and for guidance. We listen to her as the keeper of many stories. Our elders and ancestors have long fished from Birrarung sharing in her abundance, a reality that our children have not experienced.
We listen to Birrarung, as she tells us:
“I will always flow, I will always provide the water that you need, but please respect me.”
The responsibilities to care for Birrarung as a living entity extend to all. Birrarung invites the whole community to walk with her, to reorient back to her waters and lands. Sit with her, listen deeply, speak to her and take careful notice of her rhythms. Birrarung provides for us all.
We see that change is happening as more people connect with Birrarung, understanding her as a complex, dynamic, and living entity. As is often the case, it is children that are leading this change. We walk together, learning from the past in healing for future generations.
There are many futures before us, some that further harms, and others that bring with them healing. We are guided by the voice of Birrarung, and to the knowledge she provides. What is good for Birrarung is good for all. Burndap Birrarung, Burndap Umarkoo.
This statement was authored by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and remains its intellectual property.
Page last updated: 30/10/26