2026 Special Events

Critically Endangered: What Future for Life Along the Murray/Mil-Darling/Baaka?

Dinner and dialogue
In collaboration with Creative Sunraysia
Friday 17 July 2026

Australia’s largest river system is on the brink of collapse. In January 2026 the federal government formally listed the Lower Murray River as a critically endangered ecological community. A result of over-extraction, climate change and invasive species — this is a crisis more than 100 years in the making. In the last two decades inflows to the river have reduced by 50%. Rural communities are on the frontline observing the impacts of water scarcity on the environment, campaigning for improved health of floodplains, wetlands, native fish populations, but also for the future of irrigated horticulture. First Nations communities draw spiritual wellbeing and sustenance from River Country but have been marginalised from water governance. In water politics it is often observed that there is great distance between the city and the bush. There are vested interests, conflicting demands, no easy answers. What would it take to build consensus at this critical juncture? What lessons can be learned from other watery battlefields? Could a people’s movement turn this situation around? Can our waterways flourish once again?

Featuring environmentalist Bob Brown, economist Quentin Grafton, geographer Lesley Head, advocate Sophia Pearce, and councillor Peta Thornton, moderated by Melinda Hinkson. See 'special guests' page for full bios. 

Boinka: Neil Fettling

Mildura Arts Centre (Gallery 5)
18 June - 19 July

This series of works by Dr Neil Fettling continues an ongoing investigation into the Mallee in North West Victoria and its ecological sustainability, viewed through the region’s Boinkas (saltpan or shallow groundwater depressions brimming with salt).

On Sunday 19 July, at 10am (before the Murray Talk) come to hear Neil speak on how his exhibition investigates the Mallee landscape, and Bob Brown reflects on environmental art.