Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, suggestions and stories for this project. The formal community consultation period has now closed, and story recording and production is underway. Further updates about the launch of these stories will be provided on this page.

Introduction

The Maribyrnong River Stories project is a collection of audio stories about the Maribyrnong River and local community connection to the river over time.

Council is collaborating with Wurundjeri elders and community impacted by the October 2022 flooding event to showcase stories important to the local community and history of the area.

Council sought feedback about the project and involvement from community members with a story to share. Stories could be a yarn or tale; an interesting family historical connection or contributions of a local community group to be featured. Council sought stories to reflect the people, interests and experiences of the community that lives, works and plays in the area around Maribyrnong River.

The final audio stories will be located on the council website for anyone to listen and will be linked to two key locations through QR-code signage at Canning Reserve and Fairbairn Park.

This project is part of the Community Recovery Program supporting community following the October 2022 floods through projects and events promoting community connection, capacity building and emergency preparedness. The Community Recovery Program is funded by Victorian Government and Commonwealth Government.

Community involvement

Council sought involvement in the project by the flood affected and broader local community by inviting them to:

  • Provide ideas about types of stories community would like to hear and how best to access them.
  • Share local stories connected to the Maribyrnong River.
  • Shape the story telling process.

People could provide feedback via a survey, two community events, or by calling, emailing or writing to Council.