Beautiful waterways...and stinky sewers!

Join us for something special in honour of World Water Day 2025.

With more than 430 rivers and thousands of creeks, streams and wetlands – the State of NSW is connected by water. Today we know that we must keep our beautiful waterways clean: we need them to survive, for recreation and for their cultural significance.

However, this hasn’t always been the case....

Soon after the First Fleet landed at what became known as Sydney Cove, the fresh water source they relied on became soiled. As the colony grew, sewerage and industrial waste poured into rivers and into Sydney Harbour - in some parts it became so bad ships could no longer safely anchor!

As the colony expanded, settlers and explorers also came across evidence of significant cultural sites – documenting what they saw. Places that are still hugely significant today.

During this awesome Live Event, students will:

• Investigate the First Fleet’s fresh water source – by going into the Tank Stream under the City of Sydney!
• Use archaeology at First Government House to understand how the growing colony impacted the environment.
• Draw on State Archives materials to consider perspectives on ancient Australia.
• Get some tips about what they can do to keep our waterways clean!
• Take away a post-event activity to conduct their own investigation.

This Live Event is for Stages 1, 2 and 3 and will address:

• The Past in the Present – What aspects, or remains, of the past can you see today, and why are they important?
• First Contacts – What was the nature and consequence of contact, stories of the First Fleet, and everyday life in the early colony?
• The Australian Colonies – How did the colony develop and how did it impact the environment?

Starting small, with the catchment of the Tanks Stream (so vital for the First Fleet), we will flow out across the State. Combining History, Science and Geography, to develop student's knowledge and understanding about the aquatic history of NSW.