From its source at Yagoona to its mouth at Botany Bay the Cooks River passes through Wangal, Gadigal and Gameygal lands. It provides an important biodiversity corridor of vegetated habitat in parks, reserves and gardens adjacent to the river. Over the years Cooks River has been fished, dammed, concreted, diverted and polluted – and rehabilitated.
Strathfield Council is custodian of the Cooks River as it meanders through its LGA and partners with other organisations to improve both the health of the river and the liveability of the communities within its catchment.
This exhibition will take you on a journey through the river’s rich history culminating in recent projects and initiatives that protect and conserve the river and its biodiversity. How can you contribute to its future?
OFFICIAL OPENING:
14 December 2023, 4.30pm
GUEST SPEAKER:
Claire Wheeler, Senior Catchment Officer from
Cooks River Alliance
Jason L’Ecuyer, Community Engagement Officer
from Cooks River Alliance
Karen Smith, Education Officer from Aboriginal
Heritage Office
RSVP
By Monday 11 December
Bookings are required for the opening for catering
purposes: exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
EXHIBITION
14 December 2023 – 11 February 2024
Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub
COOKS RIVER EXHIBITION ACTIVITIES:
| Date & Time | Item | Place | Capacity | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 14 December 2023 4.30pm | Opening Day | Ironbark Gallery and the Ironbark room, Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub, 65-67 Rochester Street, Homebush NSW 2140 | 80 people | - Local studies team opening speech - Mayor's speech - Introduction Cooks River (CRA) - Talk on Aboriginal heritage of Cooks River (AHO) - Weed control promotion: Learn how to identify Priority Weeds in your garden (Environmental team) - Exhibition Panels - Cabinet display - Videos | Booking through exhibition@strathfield.nsw.gov.au |
| Wednesday 10 January 2024 10.30am - 1pm | Story time in the Park - Wonders of Water Discovery. | Fitzgerald Park, Broughton Road Homebush | Come along to Storytime in the Park for stories songs and rhymes. Additionally, Sydney Water’s mobile education vehicle The Wonders of Water Discovery Van will be at the park from 10:30-1pm. Meet the Wonders of Water Discovery Team and experience water though interactive games and virtual reality as you learn about how Sydner Water makes water safe to drink and how water is harvested and recycled. | No bookings required, all are welcome. | |
| Thursday 11 January 2024 10.30am - 11am | Presentation on Improving the health of the Cooks River – a Sydney Water perspective. Guest speaker: Leanne Niblock, Segment Lead – Waterways & Urban Plunge from Sydney water. | Ironbark Gallery and the Ironbark room, Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub, 65-67 Rochester Street, Homebush NSW 2140 | 80 people | Join us for an informative and insightful presentation on how Sydney Water is working to improve the health of the Cooks River. Sydney Water will share their perspective on the challenges and solutions for this important waterway. Discover the latest initiatives and projects aimed at restoring and protecting the river and learn how you can get involved in making a difference. This is an in-person event that you won't want to miss! | Register here RSVP by Thursday 4 January 2024 |
| Monday 15 January 2024 10.30am - 11am | Presentation on the Greenacre Green and Golden Bell Frog survey project. Guest speaker: Dr Arthur White from Frog and Tadpole Study Group. | Ironbark Gallery and the Ironbark room, Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub, 65-67 Rochester Street, Homebush NSW 2140 | 80 people | In 2020, Council has worked with the Frog and NSW Frog and Tadpole Study Group to revitalise the frog ponds in order to become a successful breeding site for the GGBF within the Strathfield-Enfield-Greenacre area. Join us for an informative and insightful presentation on Greenacre GGBF Chronology 2020 to Present. | Register Here RSVP by Monday 8 January 2024 |
| Tuesday 23 January 2024 10.30am - 11am | Cooks River catchment model story telling from Cooks River Alliance | Ironbark Gallery - Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub, 65-67 Rochester Street, Homebush NSW 2140 | 25 people | Have you ever seen Cooks River catchment model? Join us for an exciting event where you can explore the wonders of the Cooks River Catchment Model and be captivated by amazing storytelling! This in-person event, conducted by the Cooks River Alliance, will take you on a journey through the Cooks River ecosystem. Through interactive displays, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the River's rich biodiversity and the importance of its conservation. | Register Here RSVP by Tuesday 16 January 2024 |
| Wednesday 24 January 2024 9.30am - 11am | Guided Walk along Cooks River Strathfield route: Gurrundurrung Yana (Paperbark Walk) By Aboriginal Heritage office | Ford Park, 7 James St, Strathfield South NSW 2136 | 20 people | Participate in guided walk sessions with the Aboriginal Heritage Office who will share the history about the Cooks River's aboriginal heritage sites and how we can involve protecting and enhance the irreplaceable Aboriginal sites for future generations. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the Cooks River in a fun and engaging way! | Register Here RSVP by Wednesday 17 January 2024 |
| Saturday 3 February 10am - 3pm | Ocean Action pod trailer + Hands-on activities+ quiz | Ford Park, 7 James St, Strathfield South NSW 2136 | Join us for a fun and interactive waste educational activity at the Ocean Action pod trailer! This in-person event aims to raise awareness about waste management and its impact on our Rivers and oceans. Throughout the day, you'll have the chance to participate in hands-on activities and learn about practical solutions to tackle the waste problem. Join us for a day of learning, laughter, and maybe even a few surprises! | No bookings required, all are welcome. | |
| Wednesday 7 February 2024 10am - 12pm | Compost Revolution Workshop on how Compost supports gardening, and how it is more sustainable and better for the Cooks River than artificial fertilisers. By Compost revolution | Strathfield Community Garden, Elva Street, Strathfield NSW, Australia | Join us for a fun and informative Compost Revolution Workshop! Learn all about the magic of composting and how it can benefit both you and the environment. Our workshop is designed for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Discover the secrets to creating nutrient-rich compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste. Not only will you learn how to reduce waste and improve the health of your plants, but you'll also have the chance to connect with other like-minded individuals in our passionate gardening community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your garden and make a positive impact on the planet | No bookings required, all are welcome. |