Get your bug on!
Australia’s biggest waterbug citizen science event returns this October, inviting families across the Bellingen Shire and Nambucca Valley to grab a magnifying glass and help scientists discover what lives beneath the surface of local rivers.
OzGREEN’s Macro Muster 11 will be held at Bellingen Showground on Friday 30 October. This free, all-ages event brings together families, young people, volunteers, scientists and environmental organisations for an afternoon of hands-on science, river discovery and community connection.
Hosting its eleventh event, the Macro Muster is Australia’s largest citizen science macroinvertebrate monitoring program of its kind. Participants work with scientists to sort, identify and count freshwater macroinvertebrates — commonly known as waterbugs — collected from twelve sites across the Bellinger, Kalang and Nambucca catchments.
Waterbugs are valuable indicators of river health. Because different species have different sensitivities to pollution and changes in water quality, the types and numbers found at each site provide important information about the condition of the waterway.
OzGREEN Co-CEO Amy Denshire said participants are not simply watching science happen — they are part of it.
“Macro Muster is real citizen science, but it is also incredibly fun. Families sit side-by-side discovering these amazing little creatures while contributing to something that genuinely helps us understand and protect our rivers.”
Since launching in 2021, the event has expanded from monitoring the Bellinger and Kalang catchments to include sites across the Nambucca catchment. Volunteers collect samples before the event, which are then brought to the showground for community sorting and identification. Experienced “Bug Masters” and scientists help verify the results before the data is collated.
After the bug hunting, everyone is invited to enjoy a free community dinner of pizza and sushi.
Amy said the event also helps regional communities connect with science and STEM careers.
“There’s something powerful about young people doing science alongside scientists, parents, grandparents and other members of their community. A tiny waterbug can spark an interest, and that curiosity can grow our connection with our rivers and ecosystems.”
“Jobs in STEM are predicted to grow at twice the rate of non-STEM roles, yet regional people are severely underrepresented. This event introduces science to our communities in a fun and exciting way.”
At the Muster, participants will also hear from local scientists and environmental practitioners about waterway health, current threats, restoration and the recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.
Speakers include Dr Brian Hawkins, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Keegan Noble, Nambucca Valley Council; Celeste Lymn, Bellingen Shire Council; and Dr Nakia Belmer.
Registrations close 25 October 2026. Register at www.ozgreen.org/macromuster.
Volunteers are also needed to collect waterbug samples. Collector registrations close 9 October.
Macro Muster 11 has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust, and by project partners Bellingen Shire Council, Nambucca Valley Council and Arborgreen.
What Macro Muster 11 – Get Your Bug On! Where Bellingen Showground When Fri 30 Oct, 4.15pm–7.30pm Tix Free | All Ages. Free pizza and sushi dinner included
