Cultural warning – this event may contain names, photographs and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed away. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees are advised to exercise caution.

“The Kalari (Lachlan River) has always known where it is going."

Lachlan Kalari Bila — Sweet Water to the Sea is a First Nations-led collection of personal stories, historical records, archival and contemporary photographs, and artwork that celebrates the enduring connections between Aboriginal people and the Kalari Bila, the Lachlan River. Gathered by Wiradjuri woman Isabel Goolagong, who travelled along the river to sit with family, community and Traditional Owners, the book brings together voices from across Country to share stories of family, culture, resilience and responsibility.

Together, these deeply personal stories reveal a river that is far more than a waterway. The Kalari connects people, generations and places, carrying knowledge and responsibilities that continue today. The book also offers important insights into how we care for rivers into the future, bringing First Nations knowledge, cultural values and lived experience more strongly into land and water management.

While this book carries a strong focus on Wiradjuri stories, we also want to acknowledge that there are other Nations and individuals with connections to the Kalari whose stories are not reflected in this book.

Join us at the National Library of Australia for an evening of storytelling, photography, music and conversation. Guided by Dr Siwan Lovett, founder and CEO of the Australian River Restoration Centre, the evening will feature lead author Isabel Goolagong alongside contributors to the book, celebrating the people, stories and Country that have shaped Lachlan Kalari Bila — Sweet Water to the Sea. 

Please note there are three ticket options for this talk. These include event only, event plus light refreshments after the talk (places limited), or online viewer. Please ensure you select the option that is right for you when booking. 

Please note that photography, audio and video recording will take place during this event. By attending, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or recorded, and to the use of these images and recordings for promotional, marketing, and other purposes by the event organisers. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform a member of staff upon arrival.

Isabel Goolagong

Isabel Goolagong is a Wiradjuri woman, cultural advisor, and dedicated advocate for the Kalari (Lachlan River) and its people. Isabel works extensively with state and federal government agencies, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, and as a Lachlan River consultant for the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN), providing Indigenous knowledge and perspectives to inform water resource management.

She is a member of the Lachlan Kalari Bila Aboriginal Water Committee, a current Cultural Advisor to the Flow-MER program, a member of the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program (AWEP) and a traditional consultant for workshops and consultations relating to legislative changes to the Water Resource Plans (WRPs).

Isabel is passionate about building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous communities, promoting the integration of Traditional Knowledge and western science to better preserve our beautiful waterways.