Project 1:
Baseline Sediment Survey - Protecting our River:
October 18th-19th, 2025
Calling on our Clarence Community
Our beautiful Clarence River is the lifeblood of our region. It nourishes our landscapes, supports our industries, and provides a source of joy and connection for all of us. To keep it thriving for generations to come, we need to care for it and protect it.
River sediments tell the story of our land and water. They hold the natural history of our catchment and can serve as long-term indicators of pollution and human impact. While normally stable, their geochemical composition can be disrupted by industries such as mining, leading to contamination that can last for centuries and threaten local river water quality (e.g. Wichman and Johnston, 2024; Johnston et al., 2020).
By coming together to establish a baseline dataset of river sediment geochemistry for the Clarence catchment, this project empowers the local community with a tool to detect and respond to environmental threats.
What We’re Doing – Join the Citizen Science Effort!
The Clarence Catchment Baseline Sediment Survey is a major community science initiative. We are calling on volunteers from across the valley and region to take part in this important project on the weekend of October 18th-19th, 2025, with Grafton as our central hub. We need YOU!
This will be more than just a science project—it’s a weekend of connection, action, and learning. We are working with First Nations Custodians to agree on the sites, seek permission to remove the sediment samples, and make sure the survey is conducted in accordance with cultural protocols.
With permission and in collaboration with local First Nations Custodians and guidance from Southern Cross University (SCU), we will:
Collect 100+ river sediment samples from key sites across the catchment (see the map below).
Use a well-coordinated scientific approach for reliable and accurate data collection.
Analyse samples for >50 chemical elements, including heavy metals.
Store this data as a community resource, ensuring transparency and accountability in future land use decisions.
How It Works – Many Hands, One Goal
Our community is strongest when we work together. This project depends on the dedication of local volunteers who want to make a real difference. On the weekend of October 18th-19th, 2025 there will be:
Training - All volunteers will be inducted and will receive:
Access to short online training videos [Link to videos to come].
Simple, standardised sampling equipment.
Clear instructions for safe and effective sample collection [Link to sample protocols and instructions to come].
Sampling collection -
Volunteer teams will head out to designated sites.
Collect sediment samples.
Return samples to a central hub in Grafton for processing.
Sediment samples will be treated with respect throughout the survey, from collection to analysis. A ceremony will be held in Grafton on the final day of the survey that acknowledges the First Nations Custodians and ensures the sediment samples are provided to, and handled by Southern Cross University researchers in accordance with correct cultural protocols. Researchers will conduct scientific analysis and cutting-edge geochemical testing on sediments. The data will be provided to the community.
Get Involved – Be a River Guardian!
This is our river, and its future depends on us. Whether you fish, farm, swim, paddle, or simply love the Clarence, this is an opportunity for you to get involved and help protect it.
By volunteering, you will help build the knowledge and evidence needed to keep our water clean and our ecosystems healthy. We all benefit from a thriving river—let’s make sure we look after it.
If you would like to register your interest now and be part of this powerful community action, there is a link below. It’s a fun and meaningful way to spend a weekend in October, surrounded by like-minded people who care about the place we call home.
Whether you're collecting samples, helping with logistics, or spreading the word, your participation makes all the difference.
Together, We Protect Our River
The Clarence River Guardians believe in the strength of our community. This is just the beginning of an ongoing commitment to monitoring and protecting our waterway. With your help, we can ensure that the Clarence River remains a thriving, resilient ecosystem for generations to come.
Stay informed, get involved, and take action to protect the river we all share.
Register Your Interest
To get on the mailing list, stay in the loop or to register your interest in participating on the 18-19th October, follow the link below.
A Lions Club of Clarence Project:
In collaboration with:
Supported by:
Scientific guidance from: