Rivers Around Us
Education resources and activities created by Hunter Local Land Services and Hunter Water in collaboration with local schools
Exhibition Barka, the Forgotten River tells us about the Darling Barka River’s close relationship with the people and Country of Western NSW through the eyes of artists Badger Bates and Justine Muller. Other stories of rivers and their vital connection to people and communities can be told across every region of Australia.
We need water in our homes, on the farm, in schools and businesses. Water provides life-supporting sustenance through nourishment for both plants and animals as well as habitat to live in.
As water makes its way down our rivers, it picks up nutrients and sediment and transports them across the landscape. If we have too much nutrients and sediment in our rivers, they can become unhealthy. Unhealthy rivers lead to sick plants, animals and people.
The Hunter River Catchment
The Hunter River gives its name to a valley and region and like the Darling Barka, is closely connected to the communities who live around and near it.
The Hunter River catchment is one of the largest coastal river catchments in NSW. By exploring and experiencing the Hunter and its waterways through the following activities and resources, people of all ages can see how closely linked we are all to our local environment and how we can contribute to ensuring a sustainable water future.
Learn more about the water quality and how to look after our water resources in the Hunter catchment with the activities and resources below. Here, you will find:
- Adventures at Your Place activities, which encourage kids to get outside and explore their own backyard and local bushland or waterway
- Enviro-Stories Books about the Hunter River, where students have learnt about their local area and share this knowledge through storytelling
- A guide to What’s Happening in the Hunter, with a range of exciting programs that challenge students to tackle water sustainability issues in the Lower Hunter, and
- Brochures written by students as part of the Protect Our Catchments project with Hunter Local Land Services and Hunter Water.
Activities & Resources
Race Down the River – Boardgame
The Riparian Zone
Turtles in our Rivers
Waterbugs Across the Catchment
Rubbish in the River by Maitland Public School
Hunter Bila Gurra by St Brigid’s Primary School, Raymond Terrace
What’s Happening in the Hunter?
Where’s Our Water: A collaboration with Awabakal and Worimi communities
Skittles in our Waterways: Video
Skittles in our Waterways: Instructions
Only Rain Down The Drain
6 Awesome Ways to Keep Waterways Clean
Water Worries Brochure
This collection of resources has been commissioned for inclusion in touring exhibition Barka, The Forgotten River, at Maitland Regional Art Gallery 12 June – 21 November 2021, and is part of Museums & Galleries of NSW ‘Let’s Get Digital’ initiative, proudly supported by the NSW Government though Create NSW as part of Arts Restart.
