The streets of Yamba came alive on Saturday 24 May with the vibrant celebration of Birdsong Yamba, a free family-friendly street festival that drew an estimated crowd of over 5,000 people throughout the day.
The event, proudly funded by Transport for NSW in partnership with Clarence Valley Council and delivered by the Yamba Community Improvement District (YCID) Committee, was an overwhelming success, transforming the town centre into a buzzing hub of music, food, art, and community connection.
Visitors and locals alike enjoyed a full program of entertainment featuring live bands, stilt walkers, a giant Ninja Kids slide, both large and small stages, and a twilight screening of Rio, which provided a perfect close to the day’s festivities. One of the standout moments was the moving Welcome to Country by Aunty Lenore Parker, setting the tone for a culturally rich and inclusive event.
Adding to the artistic atmosphere, celebrated muralist Austin Moncrieff was artist-in-residence, drawing a captivated audience as he painted his large-scale mural on Yamba Street. His work now stands as a lasting legacy of the event and a striking new visual feature for the town.
Feedback from businesses involved has been overwhelmingly positive, with traders reporting strong foot traffic and community engagement. The YCID Committee has received dozens of emails and social media messages congratulating them on the event’s success and the positive energy it brought to Yamba.
Formed in late 2024, the YCID Committee is a passionate volunteer group focused on place-based improvements and community revitalisation. The Committee will meet next week to finalise grant reporting and begin discussions about the potential for Birdsong Yamba 2026.
YCID spokesperson said, “We are grateful for the support from Transport for NSW, Clarence Valley Council, and the incredible local community. Birdsong has proven what’s possible when partnership, creativity, and community come together. We look forward to exploring what the future holds.”
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 28 May 2025.
