Creativity flows for the river red gum

Creativity flowed at Gum Flat Reserve in the Gwydir catchment as artists gathered to celebrate the iconic river red gum.

The reserve, located 25 km east of Moree, was the setting for an open-air painting session celebrating the river red gum, the Gwydir River, and Water for the Environment. 

Community members and visiting artists also had the opportunity to learn about caring for Country and Gomeroi programs in the region. 

The river red gum holds significant importance as an iconic species throughout the Australian landscape, particularly for Aboriginal people.

River red gums rely on regular inundation to remain healthy, maintain canopy condition and provide habitat opportunities for a range of wildlife including threatened and endangered species.

Director of the NSW Water for the Environment program, Dr Julie-Anne Harty said it was a great opportunity for local artists to shine a light on these majestic trees.

‘The river red gum is the backdrop for so much of our lives. If you live or grew up near a river, wetland or creek, you know how important these trees are to our communities and our wildlife,’ Dr Harty said.

‘The artworks are a celebration of the river red gum and the role it plays – providing inspiration, sanctuary and critical habitat for a diverse range of species,’ she said. 

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity Conservation and Science staff were on hand to answer questions.

‘The natural setting encouraged discussion not only about river red gums but also the Water for the Environment program – not just in the Gwydir but in catchments across the state,’ Senior Wetlands and Rivers Conservation Officer David Preston said. 

‘Water for the environment is being used to support long-term river red gum forest health by providing the right amount of water at the right time for them to grow, flower and set seed.

‘By targeting river red gum, we can support the other plants and animals that rely on them for survival,’ he said.

River Red Gum Reflections was funded by the NSW Government’s Water for the Environment program and coordinated by the Bank of Art Museum Moree. Partners include the University of Western Sydney (Painted River Project), TAFE and Moree Arts Community Centre.