Our River
From Nawi to Now

Our River is a 30-minute documentary exploring the deep cultural, environmental and sporting significance of the Nepean River – a river that has shaped the Sydney region for tens of thousands of years.

Hosted by World Champion paddler Richard Fox, Our River is set against the backdrop of the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, 25 years after the 2000 Sydney Olympics, showing how this influential cultural corridor continues to shape the communities of Penrith and Western Sydney.
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Local Stories, Local Places

Our River: From Nawi to Now is being filmed on Country along the Nepean River and across key Western Sydney locations, including:

  • Penrith Whitewater Stadium
  • Yarramundi Reserve and Yellomundie National Park
  • Tench Reserve and surrounding riverbanks
  • Glenbrook Gorge and upper Nepean regions
  • Penrith Lakes precinct
  • Community, sporting and cultural sites connected to river life

The documentary combines interviews, aerial cinematography, archival material and cultural knowledge shared by Indigenous custodians, historians, athletes, scientists and local community members.
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A Cultural Legacy

The Nepean River intersects with many of the conversations shaping Western Sydney today – cultural recognition, environmental stewardship, urban growth, sport, tourism and community wellbeing.

By telling this story, we can centre Indigenous knowledge of watercraft and cultural continuity, document the stories of living with the river across generations, and celebrate Western Sydney’s paddling culture on a global stage.

Our River is soon to be part of the enuring legacy of the Western Sydney region and the mighty Nepean River.

Distribution & Community Impact

Conversation with community is at the heart of this project

The film is being developed for a multi-platform life, including:

    • Community and council-hosted screenings
    • Theatrical screening events across Sydney and NSW
    • Educational and institutional use
    • Broadcast and online streaming pathways
    • Festival screenings (national and international)

Each screening opportunity is an invitation for conversation — about Country, history, water, sport and our shared responsibility for the future. 

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
Partner with us to bring
this story to the screen
Autralian sports team sitting in audience
Host A Screening
Gather your community and
be inspired by local stories

Partner With Us

We are currently seeking organisations, cultural institutions, councils and screen partners to support the completion, exhibition and distribution of Our River: From Nawi to Now.

Support can take many forms, including:

    • Distribution partnerships and screening networks
    • Financial or in-kind production support
    • Community screening hosts
    • Educational and cultural exhibition partners
    • Strategic partners aligned with culture, sport and the environment

By supporting this project, partners play a direct role in ensuring Western Sydney stories are created, owned and shared from within the community.

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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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