Last week we came together for candlelight, soft drizzle on leaves above us, and honest conversation about the climate crisis and how it lives in us.

Last week’s Green Drinks evening brought together community members for a relaxed night of conversation and a growing awareness of how deeply local lives in North Queensland are connected to distant ecosystems.

This month we were joined by Erin Miles, community campaign organiser with the Bob Brown Foundation. Erin, who is also a James Cook University research student, spoke about current campaigns focused on Antarctic marine ecosystems - particularly the expanding industrial harvest of Antarctic krill.

Throughout April, our community came together for Love Where You Live — a grassroots fundraiser celebrating practical action, care for place, and the people helping protect North Queensland’s environment.

What started as a collection of individual fundraising efforts quickly became something much bigger: a shared reminder that small actions, when backed by community, really do add up.

Dear Luna,

As our month-long Love Where You Live fundraiser draws to a close, I've been reflecting on just how fitting the name of that fundraiser is (nice one, Luna!).

What do I love the most about where I live? 

While ticking items off my bingo card, I explored some local saltmarshes with MangroveWatch, revegetated and remediated hillsides and creek banks with Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare and learned what goes into caring for wildlife in need with NQ Wildlife Care. 

It's not just our region's wonderful landscapes, ecosystems and species that make it special - it's also the everyday superheroes who come together for their protection.

This month, we've been overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the generosity of supporters donating their pre-loved items to our Garage Sale and getting behind our fundraising efforts. Our volunteer numbers are also growing - just in time for some exciting upcoming events!

There's plenty on the horizon that could use your support, so please enjoy the read and know that your actions - big or small - are appreciated.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Was it the mangrove fever? We’re not entirely sure - but what we do know is that our latest Green Drinks brought a full house together for an evening of connection, learning, and inspiration.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special shoutout to Lucia Caldas Duran from Earthwatch for sharing her work and insights with the community.

We had such a great time at The Strand Night Markets last week, connecting with locals about something we all care deeply about—how we make Townsville cooler, greener, and more liveable for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stall to chat about trees, shade, and what a more climate-resilient city could look like. It was genuinely encouraging to hear how many people are passionate about greener streets and healthier neighbourhoods.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the state of the world right now? We have an antidote!

Here at NQCC, we've been busy bringing people together and keeping things light with future-focused campaigns, hands-on actions and walks on Country.

As we head into April, we also kick off fundraising season! As EOFY approaches, we're pushing to raise as much money as we can to fund our work - and there are SO MANY ways you can help!

Whether you're cleaning out to donate to our Garage Sale, recycling your containers with us or making a one-off or monthly contribution, it all adds up!

Importantly, it's not too late to sign up to our Love Where You Live fundraising challenge! If you're not game, make sure you chip in to help our fundraisers reach their targets (particularly me, because I want to win... ).

Enjoy the read, and if you love the work, please help fund it into the future! Thanks for all you do.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Garabarra (Kissing Point) is an area of cultural significance to the Wulgurukuba and Bindal Peoples, and this cultural heritage has been recognised in an ethno-botanical trail. NQCC was pleased to offer two small groups the opportunity to walk on this Country with Uncle Russell Butler, who generously shared some of his knowledge with us.

Volunteer Welcome Night: Growing Community, Action, and Connection

Last week at our Volunteer Welcome Night, we explored the many ways our community can make a difference for the environment - from hands-on action like plantings and events, to using your voice to advocate for change. It was a wonderful chance to connect with people who care about protecting North Queensland and to reflect on how NQCC supports these efforts while building strong community connections.

What do you love about living in North Queensland? 
The reef, the hills, the rivers, the wildlife - the places that make this region home.

This April, we’re celebrating those places through Love Where You Live, a month-long community fundraiser hosted by the North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC).

From March 28 (starting with Earth Hour) to April 30, locals have been taking action for nature — and 15 dedicated fundraisers are already out there making a difference.

Now, we’re inviting you to support them.