Our River
From Nawi to Now

You know the river. But do you know its story?

Hosted by champion paddler Richard Fox, Our River: From Nawi to Now is a new documentary uncovering the remarkable story of the Nepean–Hawkesbury River and the generations of people whose lives have been shaped by it.

For Richard, the river is inseparable from a lifetime spent on the water. Through his eyes, and the experiences of people who know the river in very different ways, the film follows an extraordinary journey from First Nations watercraft traditions to modern river life and world-class paddling.

Along the way, it reveals a river that is far more than a familiar stretch of water. It is a place of culture and memory, a force of nature, a working river, a gathering place, a training ground and a powerful thread connecting the region’s past, present and future.
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The story flowing past our doorstep

Thousands of people see the river every day. We cross it, walk beside it, paddle on it and gather along its banks. Yet beneath the surface is a much bigger story.

Long before roads, bridges and growing cities transformed the landscape, the river was already a place of culture, knowledge, movement and connection. Since then, it has influenced where communities formed, how industries developed, how people responded to floods and emergencies, and how Western Sydney became home to an extraordinary sporting legacy.

Our River: From Nawi to Now explores this long and evolving relationship. At its heart is a compelling question: how has the river shaped us, and how are we shaping the river in return?

One river, many stories

There is no single way to understand the river. To some, it is Country. To others, it is a workplace, a place of recreation, an ecosystem to protect or a familiar part of home. For generations of paddlers, it has also been a place to test themselves and discover what they can achieve.

The documentary brings together First Nations knowledge holders, historians, scientists, environmental experts, emergency services, river operators, community leaders and champion athletes. Each offers a different perspective on the water and its significance.

Together, their stories reveal how deeply the river is woven into the cultural, environmental and social life of the region, and how much of its history remains hidden in plain sight.
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From nawi to whitewater

At Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the movement of water becomes speed, risk and split-second decision-making. The venue brought the world stage to Western Sydney and gave generations of local athletes a place to train, compete and imagine what might be possible.

Guided by Richard Fox, the film explores how this paddling culture took shape and how Penrith became internationally recognised for producing champion athletes. Behind every medal are years of early mornings, repeated runs, family support, coaching and a remarkable ability to understand how water moves.

These contemporary achievements sit within a much longer story of people moving on and connecting through the water. By following the journey from nawi watercraft traditions to modern canoeing and elite sport, the documentary uncovers an unexpected thread running through the river’s past and present.

A Western Sydney story, made in the west

Our River: From Nawi to Now is being produced by Made in the West Creative in collaboration with local filmmakers, crew, cultural practitioners, organisations and community contributors.

Making the film here allows the story to be shaped by people with a genuine connection to the region. It also creates opportunities for Western Sydney screen practitioners and ensures that this important story of place is created, owned and shared from within the community.

The film looks closely at one river, but its themes reach much further. It is a story about our relationship with place, the histories we inherit and the choices we make about what we carry forward.

Be Part of The Story
Kayakers paddling on the Nepean River
Film Launch Event
Penrith Valley Business
Chamber, Tuesday 11 August
Sydney harbour bridge iconic Australian view
Support Our River
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this story to the screen
Autralian sports team sitting in audience
Host A Screening
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Bring Our River to your community

We are inviting venues, councils, schools, cultural institutions, businesses and community organisations to partner with us on screenings and special events.

A partnership could include hosting a community screening, presenting a filmmaker Q&A or panel discussion, arranging an event for your staff, members or students, or sponsoring a local screening to help make the film accessible to more people. We can also collaborate on events exploring themes such as Country, history, environment, community, sport and our changing relationship with the river.

Each screening offers more than an opportunity to watch the film. It creates a space for audiences to reflect on the river, share their own connections and continue the conversation together.

By partnering with the project, you will help bring an important Western Sydney story to the screen while supporting a community of local filmmakers and artists.

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Get involved

If your organisation is interested in supporting Our River: From Nawi to Now, hosting a screening, contributing to the river story, or exploring distribution partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.

Fill this form and we will reach out with more information.
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