You’re invited to the free world premiere of Rivertree, a documentary exploring the effects of proposed copper and cobalt mining on the Clarence River in Northern NSW.

 

A new short film is revealing the fight locals in the Clarence Valley of NSW are taking on to preserve the life force of their region, the Clarence River.

 

When is the Rivertree movie world premiere?

January 20th, 2024

Where: Yamba Water Tower at the Lighthouse, NSW
Time: 6pm – 9.30pm
Run time: 30 minutes
Rating: G
Cost: Free!

The evening will feature live music by legendary musician Ry X (who scored the film) and inspiring speakers as well as a Q7A panel discussion with the filmmakers, Matty Hannon and Gary Parker.

Register Your Attendance!

What is Rivertree about?

The documentary follows two lifelong friends, Hayley Talbot an adventurer and mother, and Dan Ross a surfer and educator.

Together they embark on an adventurous long-distance paddle down the mighty Clarence River (Biirrinba, Boorimbah) in NSW. Along the way, they speak with local people to uncover the mining industry’s plans to dig up the hills behind their homes for proposed copper and cobalt mining.

 

 

Directed by Matty Hannon and Gary Parke, who are experienced adventure documentary makers, and narrated by Yaegl Elder Aunty Lenore, the movie raises the urgent need to safeguard water – our most precious resource.

‘Freshwater, saltwater people, old and new, black and white, we’re all river people, she connects us all. We are the custodians and stewards of our great rivers, and now we must stand together, all of us, our united voices have the power to move like the river when it comes out into the ocean,’ Aunty Lenore tells us.

 

 

Prepare to be swept along on this journey with panoramic views of stunning natural bushlands and waterways accompanied by an evocative soundtrack by celebrated artist Ry Xmirrors.

At the heart of this film is the power of a grassroots movement to save the Clarence Valley and river, and to hear local voices on this important issue.

‘The health of the Clarence River directly impacts the ecology and health of the surrounding beaches along with the places we love to play. Why on earth would we risk it all?’ Dan asks.

‘The thought of mining anywhere near a precious water source is madness’, Dan says.

Hayley’s driving force behind this documentary is to raise awareness of the damage mining causes to the natural environment.

‘This is a rallying cry to activate local hearts and to foster community, which is the bedrock of our society,’ she said. ‘We want every person in the Clarence Valley and beyond to know what is currently happening upriver and what, if left unchecked, will happen downriver.’

For more information and to find out how else you can help save the Clarence River visit the Rivertree website.

 

Rivertree short documentary

 

Images thanks to Rivertree Film

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