As another September rolls around, it's a great time to reflect and celebrate the activities and achievements of a year gone by. 

On Wednesday night we were joined by twenty-two loyal members in our balmy backyard under the mango tree...

The evening began with a glass of wine (or juice), accompanied by flavoursome vegan wraps from KD's Vegan Takeaway and homegrown bananas supplied by Linda Davis. As bats screeched merrily in the mango tree, President Peter Hanley kicked off the official business by welcoming attendees and announcing that the meeting was quorate, before an Acknowledgement of Country.

President's Report

Peter provided a summary of the year's activities and how NQCC managed to ride the storm of COVID-19. He then invited the heads of various sub-committee members to report on their recent work.

John Connell outlined the work of the Burdekin Basin sub-committee over the past few months, researching the environmental impacts of proposed developments along the river system and hosting a well-attended seminar for stakeholders and decision-makers.

Chris Pam took us through NQCC's plans and processes around developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to better recognise and collaborate with the Traditional Owner groups throughout our region. 

Lastly, Alastair Birtles represented the Communications sub-committee and highlighted the role that communications play in carrying out NQCC's objectives, and how the current Strategic Plan reflects that. 

To conclude the President's Report, Peter took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge Cam Leitch's contribution as Treasurer over the past two years, and presented him with a card and gift (an Umbrella Studio voucher) on behalf of the staff and committee.

Staff Reports

In his report, Campaigns Manager Simon Cheers shared some insights into the work he has carried out since joining the organisation in late April, as well as his aspirations for the year to come. Among these he mentioned improved Indigenous engagement, on-the-ground environmental projects and plenty of opportunities for community involvement.

Community Campaigner Crystal Falknau presented an outline of events, activities and membership growth of the past year, celebrating the increase in membership to 162 members (including 34 new members). She concluded with a summary of the feedback received following the Environment Day Members' Survey and Workshop. The membership drive referral raffle was then drawn, and Penelope Sheridan took home the $50 Mary Who Bookshop voucher, after single-handedly signing up ten new NQCC members!

Other Official Business

After the presentations, the minutes from 2019's AGM were formally accepted (with no business arising), the NQCC Annual Report was tabled (with printed copies available for perusal) and Cam Leitch presented the Financial Reports for 2019/20. This brought us to the election of office bearers for the next twelve months. Malcolm Tattersall carried out the presentation of the nominations for each position, inviting each nominee to stand and introduce themselves to the audience, along with a brief description of their interests and skills.

All roles were uncontested and we were thrilled to accept the following as members of the NQCC 2020/21 Management Committee:

• Peter Hanley (President)
• Chris Pam (Vice President)
• Alastair Birtles (Vice President)
• Tash Henderson (Treasurer)
• Tiffany Bond (Secretary)
• Cam Leitch (Ordinary Member)
• Linda Davis (Ordinary Member)
• John Connell (Ordinary Member)
• Matthew Garbutt (Ordinary Member)

Jessups was confirmed as the auditor for the next financial year and the meeting was closed by 8pm.

Fundraising Raffle

To round off the evening, we drew the winners from our fundraising raffle, featuring two bottles of wine and a KD's Vegan Takeaway voucher. The sale of raffle tickets and drinks raised $250 for the evening and we were very satisfied with the performance of our brand new EFTPOS Square. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this important annual event, as well as all those who have contributed to our activities this year. We appreciate your ongoing support and are honoured to advocate for North Queensland's environment on your behalf!