Landcare Region
BCT Region
Hosted by Watershed Landcare
CREEK FEAST is an exciting event bringing together experts, landholders and the community to explore the fascinating realms of local biodiversity and riparian ecosystems. Tickets include a local feast and access to fascinating workshops, walks and talks on the beautiful banks of Lawson Creek.
Lunch catering by Soul Mama's Catering featuring local produce
The location is a picturesque stretch of Lawson Creek, just a 10-minute drive from Mudgee near Gawthorne Bridge.
Guest Speakers & Exhibitors:
- Welcome to Country by Aleshia Lonsdale - Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Tiffany Mason - Biodiversity Conservation Trust
- Josh Frappell 'The Regenerative' - Ridge to River Hydration
- eDNA testing workshop sponsored by Enviro DNA Plus results reveal for testing done in Lawson Creek
- Emma Syme from North East Wiradjuri Company - Reading the Landscape
- Dr. Kellie Leigh - Science for Wildlife, Koalas of Lue & Detection Dog demonstration
- Dr. Laura Fisher of the Mulloon Institute and KSCA, Water on Silk Japanese Dyeing Workshop
- Mudgee District Environment Group - Exhibit and display
- Mick Boller - Stories of Lue's Koalas
- Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation (KSCA) -Transformative Collaborations
- Uncle Peter Swain - Stories from Before 'Lawson Creek'
- Dr Sean Graham from OzFish - Fish Habitat Restoration
- David Ward - Fisheries Department of NSW Exhibit
- Georgie Pollard - Participatory Artwork display 'Tributary (what we cannot repay)'
- Capertee Valley Soaps - Market Stall
- Gus Armstrong & Peter Swain debut showing of their collaborative video work 'Creek Dreaming'
- Marie's Bakehouse - Gluten Free & Vegetarian homemade pastries for sale
- Elephant Mountain Wines - Wine Tastings & Sales
Event Topics
Event Outcomes
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
Partnering with the NSW Biodiversity conservation Trust
A video captured the day
Creekfeast Event Summary – Community Feedback & Recommendations
🌟 What Worked Well
Critical Factors for Success:
Well-Organised Format
Event ran smoothly and on time
Clear structure with rotating sessions kept energy high
Small information bites made learning engaging and accessible
Strong Content & Relevance
Carefully selected presenters from government and community
Effective blending of landcare and farming perspectives
High-quality, practical information with immediate value
Atmosphere & Logistics
Site location was ideal
Easy access and layout encouraged conversations
Friendly and open atmosphere supported community goodwill
Excellent weather helped set a positive tone
💬 Suggestions for Improvement
More Time for Discussions
Extend talks by 10 minutes to allow for Q&A
Some sessions felt rushed – allow more time for deeper engagement
Wider Inclusion
Expand attendance opportunities – “pity more people couldn’t attend”
Include voices from more industries for broader learning
🚀 Next Steps & Community Priorities
Repeat and Expand the Format
Strong call to “hold more events like this”
Regular events to build knowledge and community capacity
Deepen Educational Impact
More practical workshops (e.g. plants for river systems)
Sessions on regenerative farming and conservation
Include succession planning relevant to BCT agreements
Support and Resources
Small grants for on-ground activities
Funding for continued engagement
Raise community awareness through research and outreach
Overall sentiment:
“Far exceeded my expectations… I usually don’t rate events highly, but I couldn’t find a criticism.”