NQCC is the voice for the environment in North Queensland. We are a grassroots community organisation that promotes and protects our region's natural environment through community action and political advocacy. Our vision is flourishing communities living in balance with a healthy natural environment.
From the blog
Green Drinks: Reconnecting with Each Other and Nature
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Last week’s Green Drinks at the Commonwealth Hotel was one of those slightly warmer winter nights that made it easy to settle into good company and meaningful conversations. We were especially pleased to welcome Juanita and Sandra from Social Workers for Climate Action — a powerful alliance of social work practitioners, students, educators and researchers based at JCU, committed to recognising climate change as an environmental, social justice and human rights issue.
Paperbark June 2025
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As I write this, I am humbled by the donations that continue to roll in for our EOFY Appeal, which this year has been doubled by a generous matched donor. At this rate, we're on track to hit our $4000 goal, which will become $8000 towards our ambitious plans for the future. I know times are tough, so if you have managed to chip in this year, please know it means the world to us!
As you'll see, June has been an exciting, fast-paced month, where volunteers have contributed more than 250 hours combined! Luna and I are so grateful to the people around us who truly bring our organisation to life.
Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark and keep doing the great things you do for nature and your community, whatever that may be.
Upcoming events
See all eventsThe Seeds of Vandana Shiva - Screening & Panel Discussion
Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 05:30 PMGrill'd on Palmer St. in South Townsville, AustraliaView event
Join Social Workers for Climate Action and the North Queensland Conservation Council for a powerful evening of film and conversation as we present The Seeds of Vandana Shiva - a documentary that illuminates the life and work of one of the world’s most influential environmental thinkers and food sovereignty activists, Dr Vandana Shiva.
This compelling film traces Dr Shiva’s journey from physicist in India to global advocate for biodiversity, small-scale farmers, and regenerative agriculture. Her story is both a critique of corporate-controlled industrial farming and a passionate call to protect traditional knowledge systems, seed sovereignty, and community self-determination.
The film runs for 82 minutes. Following the screening, we invite you to stay for a panel discussion and community Q&A.
- Emma Small, Townsville-based social worker and member of Social Workers for Climate Action, with deep experience in food banks and food insecurity
- Dhiraj Gajera, Regional Soil Coordinator for Tropical North Queensland and a qualified agricultural scientist with nearly 40 years of experience across India, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Permaculture Townsville, a local community group promoting sustainable living and permaculture practices in the Dry Tropics.
Together, we’ll explore how Dr Shiva’s message resonates in North Queensland - especially in the context of climate change, ecological degradation, and social inequality.
This is more than a film screening. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how power operates through food systems - and how communities can resist extractive industries and reimagine relationships with land, food, and each other.
"Those who control the seeds, control the food. And those who control the food, control the people."
- Inspired by the philosophy of Dr Vandana ShivaCome for the film, stay for the dialogue, and leave with inspiration to seed change in your own backyard. Whether you’re a grower, an eater, a changemaker, or just curious - this event is for you.
We also have some great seed and food related lucky door prizes for you!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 26
Location: Grill’d, Palmer Street, South Townsville
Arrival: From 5:30pm - order food and drinks
Film starts: 6:00pm
Event concludes: 8:30pm
Tickets: $10 general / $7 student or concession / 1$ financial hardship
Kids: Children under 12 years free, parental guidance recommended, mature themes
Extras: Feel free to bring a pillow or warm blanket to stay comfortable
Watch the trailer
FAQs:
Q: What kind of food is available?
Grill’d has a great selection, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. A veggie or beef burger with small chips is available for under $22. Meals are ordered individually, so you can choose what works for you.Q: Is the event budget-friendly?
Absolutely. We’ve introduced $1 tickets for those facing financial hardship — no questions asked. We want this space to be welcoming for everyone.Q: Where at Grill’d will it be?
We’ll be set up in the large back space of Grill’d on Palmer Street. It's cosy and welcoming. Parking is available nearby on McIlwraith Street.Q: Can I bring kids?
Yes, kids under 12 attend for free. The film is however rated 16+ due to its documentary nature exploring themes of environmental activism, food justice, and corporate opposition. Parental guidance is recommended.
Q: I’m not a gardener – will I still enjoy it?
Absolutely. This is about more than growing food. It’s about understanding the global forces shaping what ends up on our plate — and how our everyday choices connect to land, justice, and climate action.
GET A TICKET
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