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.
In this edition:
- Upcoming Events
- Green Drinks
- JCU Market Day
- Movie Screening & Panel Discussion
- Training Opportunity
- NQCC Updates
- Energy Future Workshop
- Work placement student
- Townsville Heatwave Workshop
- In the Weeds
- Actions on illegal dumping
- Garage Sale Fundraiser
- Our Townsville
- World Environment Day
- Member's Event
- Take Action
- Join the Climate Action Group
- Invasive Species Petition
- Other Stuff
- Coastal degradation
- Land Tax Webinar
- Saltmarsh Monitoring
- Healthy Waters Arvo
- Climate Cafe
UPCOMING EVENTS
Green Drinks
Join us for a new edition of Green Drinks with Social Workers for Climate Action!
Catch up with local nature lovers and learn about eco-social work. Let's chat about how we can create a fairer, and more inclusive future for everyone!
Please RSVP so we can book enough tables!
When: 6-8pm Wednesday 9 July
Where: Commonwealth Hotel
46 Allen St, South Townsville
| COME TO GREEN DRINKS |
JCU Market Day
Join us for a fun and engaging afternoon at JCU!
Are you a student looking to connect with us in person? Come and see us at the second semester market day!
Or if you are a volunteer looking to inspire the next generation, come along!
When: 12am-3pm Wednesday 23 July
Where: JCU Library Lawn
| JOIN US FOR THE MARKET |
The Seeds of Vandana Shiva
Join Social Workers for Climate Action and the North Queensland Conservation Council for a powerful evening of film and conversation - 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.
Together with you, we’ll explore how Dr Shiva’s message resonates in North Queensland - especially in the context of climate change, ecological degradation, and social inequality.
When: 5.30-8.30pm Saturday 26 July
Where: Grill'd, 3 Palmer St South Townsville
| INFO & TICKETS |
Free Training
Would you like to develop skills in Community Organising? Learn how to start building public relationships for local power and to solve problems in our communities! This two-day Foundations of Community Organising training is provided by the Queensland Community Alliance free of charge. No prior experience required!
When: Monday & Tuesday 28-29 July
Where: QYS Training Rooms, 24 Keane St, Currajong
| GET TRAINED UP |
NQCC UPDATES
Energy Future Workshop
What does an environmentally-successful energy transition look like for our region?
Last week, bright and passionate representatives from various stakeholder organisations came together with local engineers, ecologists and university students to identify their vision for a nature-positive energy transition.
We'll be seeking participation from a range of conservation experts for future workshops, so I hope that you can be a part of this important project!
| READ MORE |
Thank you Astrid!
We thoroughly enjoyed Astrid's company this week - and her assistance! She joined various meetings, helped to facilitate a workshop, and wrote pieces for our blog. Best of luck with your future endeavours, Astrid! We know that your bright outlook, dedication and willingness to grow will take you far.
Read Astrid's reflection on her work experience with us below.
| ASTRID'S WEEK WITH NQCC |
Townsville Heatwave Workshop
We all know that climate change is making Townsville's heatwaves worse - longer, hotter and more frequent than ever before. So, what can we do about it? How will our community adapt to ensure that no one is left behind in these silent natural disasters? We joined forces with Sweltering Cities, Once Upon Tomorrow and the Queensland Community Alliance to find out.
| READ ALL ABOUT IT |
In the Weeds
We joined our member group Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare for a working bee at the slopes of Castle Hill.
We experienced first hand what a valuable and rewarding work this group can offer. Although this particular project is only a few years old, there is already a mini forest of quite established trees. We did some vital watering and weeding, while learning about invasive species and enjoying wildlife sounds.
Read more about our experience and why you should get involved!
Local landscapes need your helping hand!
| LEARN MORE ABOUT LANDCARE WORK |
Illegal Dumping Continues
On a recent visit from Shadow Environment Minister Leanne Linard, we shared the impactful local work of NQCC member group Phil's Bush Cleanup.
Illegal dumping poses significant threats to local environments. While the hard work of Phil's crew has made a significant difference to the Port Access Reserve, the pollution continues. We are still pushing for action on this, and are committed to working with our new government to find solutions that stick.
Garage Sale Fundraiser
We’re thrilled to share that this year’s Garage Sale Community Fundraiser has already raised $3,400 – and counting!
We couldn't be more grateful to all the donors, bakers, and dedicated sale volunteers who brought this fundraiser to life. It was a great community get together too and and a powerful reminder that there is enough do go around for everyone! Recycling can be so much fun!
| SEE WHAT YOU MISSED! |
Our Townsville
The NQCC Climate Action Group has delivered a fantastic program of nature connection at the Our Townsville community outing.
Face painting and nature scavenger hunt cards were really popular with the kids - while we chatted with parents about the benefits of nature and why we'd love to see more local green spaces flourish.
Read on to see what else we had in store...
| SEE OUR ACTIVITIES! |
World Environment Day
In celebration of World Environment Day (June 5), NQCC had the joy of visiting the Upper Ross Community Centre’s playgroup to share the fascinating world of pollinators with some very curious young minds.
We created a little picture book to explain how our ecosystems are all connected through pollinators and finished with a planting, made possible by Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare.
| READ MORE |
June Members' Gathering
Thank you to everyone who joined our Members' Event in early June!
The evening featured reflections on Reconciliation, activity and campaign updates, the launch of our major fundraising raffle and an interactive workshop about threats to nature in our region.
Thank you Dave for the wood-fired pizzas, Monita and Cheryl for working the bar, and all of you who pitched in to make the night special.
| READ ABOUT THE EVENT |
TAKE ACTION
Join our Climate Action Group!
Are you passionate about climate action and keen to make a local impact? Our dedicated group has achieved some big wins - from hosting a Mayoral Candidates Forum to running creative community events, conducting local research, and engaging with council.
It’s all about great teamwork, and we welcome different ideas, skills and passions. We meet fortnightly and always have room for more voices at the table.
Click below to express your interest in getting involved!
| CONNECT WITH US |
Stop the Weeds
Did you know most invasive weeds in Australia started in home gardens? Plants like lantana and blackberry are choking our bushland - and many are still sold legally in nurseries.
We need stronger laws to stop this damage before it starts.
Add your name to this petition by the invasive species council to stop the spread.
| SIGN THE PETITION |
OTHER STUFF
"Urgent Action Needed"
JCU researchers are calling for urgent action to reverse severe environmental degradation of Townsville’s coast, with a new study revealing a nearly 90 per cent decrease in water clarity in the region’s waters since the 1960s.
The paper highlights many other signs of degradation, including coral reefs in bays of Magnetic Island mostly becoming coral rubble, and historically sandy beaches on the island’s south coast turning to muddy mangrove habitats.
Unfair Tax on Nature Protection
Queensland landholders are protecting nearly 5 million hectares through Nature Refuges - yet Queensland is the only state still charging land tax on these conservation areas.
Join this free webinar by the Australian Land Conservation Alliance to hear from experts on how this outdated policy is holding us back, and how a simple change could deliver big wins for nature and fairness.
When: 11-11:45am Friday 11 July
Where: Online
| REGISTER FOR FREE |
Saltmarsh Monitoring
When: 11am-3pm Friday 11 July
Where: Bushland Beach
Healthy Waters Arvo
Join the Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics to celebrate Townsville’s rivers, creeks, and coastal waters!
Join them in Stand Park for activities and science demonstrations, that showcase how Townsville connects with and cares for its waterways. This year’s Healthy Waters Arvo will be delivered during Strand Ephemera.
Healthy waters = healthy town!
When: 3.30-5pm Sat 26 July
Where: Strand Park, North Ward
Climate Cafe
Have you heard of Climate Cafés?
They’re safe, supportive spaces to share how you’re really feeling about the climate crisis - no guest speakers, no pressure to act. Just honest conversation, listening, and connection.
Join Psychology for a Safe Climate on Zoom for this gentle, facilitated session. Everyone’s welcome - whether you want to talk, listen, or just be.
When: 3:30-5pm Sunday 27 July
Where: Online
| INFO & REGISTRATION |
Like What You've Read?
So much of our work is supported by donations from supporters like you!
All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and directly support the delivery of our projects and campaigns. Visit our donation page to learn how to donate online or via direct debit, or become a monthly donor! Your support goes a long way.
| DONATE TODAY |
Do you have something you'd like to see in our next edition of Paperbark? Reply to this email with all the details!
We work on the lands of the Wulgurukaba and Bindal Peoples, and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all North Queensland nations. First Nations sovereignty was never ceded. North Queensland always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
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