River Ramble for Reconciliation FAQ
| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| 1. What is the route of the Ramble? | From Grimes Reserve (A) to Footscray Rowing Club (B) and return, about 45 mins ramble in each direction. Please see this MAP -> |
| 2. Do I have to ramble all the way? | No. You can ramble or run as far as you’re comfortable and/or able. There are several points along the way that you could aim for and then turn around and head back to Grimes Reserve. These include: a. Dynon Rd Bridge – there’s a climbing wall underneath the bridge and places to sit and rest. b. Heavenly Queen Temple. c. Kensington Railway Bridge. d. Angliss Stock Bridge. e. Lynch’s Bridge. It would be great to see you at the beginning and end of your ramble for the Prize Draw 12:30-1:00pm! |
| 3. What is the timetable for the event? | 10:00 – Welcome to Country and Yarn with Robert Ogden.
10:30 – Ramble to Footscray Rowing Club. 11:30 – Ramble back to Grimes Reserve. 12:30 to 1:00 – Prize Draw and wrap up. |
| 4. Can I bring my dog/s? | Yes. Your dog/s must be on a leash and under effective control throughout the Ramble. There is an off-lead dog area at Footscray Park on the Western Oval near the Footscray Rowing Club. Remember to bring your dog-poo bags! |
| 5. Are there toilets available? | Yes. There are toilets at the Footscray Community Arts Centre and in Footscray Park. See the National Public Toilet Map. |
| 6. Do I have to pay to register? | No, but we would love you to make a donation when you Register. Alternatively, see JAM!’s Donate Page for more options. |
| 7. What happens to the money if I donate? | JAM! will distribute all donations to local and/or Victorian First Nations organisations. |
| 8. Do I have to Register? | Registering will help us keep a track of numbers and enter you in the Prize Draw! You can still register on the day, but it would help us to know beforehand if you’re coming and we can update you with any changes, thank you. |
| 9. Is there Parking? | Yes. There’s parking in Maribyrnong St near Grimes Reserve and along the river front. |
| 10. Can I get there by train? | Yes. Grimes Reserve is about 10 minutes walk via Bunbury St from Footscray Station. |
| 11. Is the Ramble accessible? | Yes. From Grimes Reserve, the route is along paved pathways and there are no significant inclines/declines, soft surfaces or stairways. There are drinking fountains and various seating options to have a rest along the way. |
| 12. Will the River Ramble be held in 2026? | We hope so! JAM! is planning for this event to be held every year during Reconciliation Week. |
| 13. Will there be food and drinks? | Yes, there are cafes nearby. Myrtle Café at Footscray Community Arts Centre is close to Grimes Reserve. There is also Fish & Chips at Conways in Wingfield St and Cafe Larome and Tru Coffee in the Joseph Rd precinct. There are many other cafes throughout Footscray. There are water fountains available along the route. |
| 14. Are there sites of interest related to First Nations people in the area? | Yes, please see this interactive MAP. Zoom in to see all the flags and click on them for more information -> |
| 15. What would lead to the event being cancelled? | We will check weather forecasts in the days prior to the event. If the forecast is for heavy rain / storms, we will cancel the event and notify all those who have registered along with announcements on our Facebook page. |
| 16. What is a Yarn? | A Yarn is an opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders it is where people gather to share stories, knowledge and experiences in a safe, respectful and collaborative manner, fostering strong relationships and community. |
| 17. What is a Welcome to Country? | A traditional ceremony conducted by Aboriginal Traditional Owners to welcome people to their land and give their blessing for an event, acknowledging their connection to the land and recognising their role as the original inhabitants. |
| 18. Who do I contact if I need more information? | Drop us an email at jam@justiceactionmaribyrnong.com. |
| 19. Can I take photos for social media? | Yes please! You can tag your pix and posts with @justiceactionmaribrynong and #RRR25. If you want to send any to us, send them to jam@justiceactionmaribyrnong.com. |
