2026 is off to a fantastic start for the North Queensland Conservation Council, and JCU Market Day set the tone beautifully. The campus was buzzing, the stalls were packed, and we were thrilled to meet so many students eager to get involved.

We welcomed 35 new students who are keen to explore volunteering opportunities this year - a strong reminder that there is a real appetite among young people to turn environmental values into meaningful action.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was connecting with students who are actively looking for community: people who want to meet others who share their concerns for nature, climate and wildlife, and who are searching for practical ways to live out those values.

University can be a powerful moment of transition, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support students as they find their place in the local environmental movement - whether that’s their first step into volunteering or a continuation of long‑held passions.

At NQCC, we know that people want to contribute in different ways. That’s why we offer a wide range of opportunities, including:

• Hands‑on activities such as clean‑ups and other community events
• On‑ground conservation work with our partner groups, including Landcare activities, wildlife training and field studies
• Strategic advocacy and campaigning, for those interested in policy, community organising and creating long-term, systemic change
• Behind-the-scenes and leadership skills, including learning how to organise large events, support the governance of community groups, and build valuable administration and coordination skills

We were also delighted to connect students with other fantastic local organisations doing important work across the region. These partnerships help ensure that students can find opportunities that best match their interests, skills and availability - and strengthen the broader environmental network in North Queensland.

A huge thank you to our volunteers Frank and Monita, who generously shared their experiences with students throughout the day. Hearing directly from volunteers makes a real difference and helps bring our work to life.

If you didn’t get a chance to chat with us at the market — or if you want to stay involved — make sure you subscribe to our newsletter. The January Paperbark newsletter will be landing soon, with upcoming events, volunteering opportunities and ways to get involved.

We’re excited to see what this new year brings, and we look forward to working alongside a new generation of passionate environmental advocates.