Paperbark August

One of the most delightful aspects of leading a community organisation is interacting with our exceptional community.

This month, Luna has brought people together through several vibrant community events and I've had the pleasure of facilitating workshops to map nature priorities for our region's renewable energy transition. Meanwhile, passionate volunteers have been hitting the streets and the phones selling tickets in our e-bike raffle fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who has helped make August so fruitful!

I suggest you have your diary close by while you browse this edition of Paperbark, because September promises to be just as action-packed, and you won't want to miss a thing!

Thanks as always for your continued support. I can't wait to see you at our AGM to celebrate our successes together!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Crystal

In this edition:

  • Upcoming Events
    • Book Launch Shaking the Trees
    • Threatened Species Day
    • Annual General Meeting
  • Support Us
    • Save the Date: Trivia 2025
    • Assistant Treasurer Wanted
    • E-Bike Raffle - tickets online!
  • Take Action
    • Bioregional Planning Input
    • Map Priority Areas
    • Energy Transition Survey
  • NQCC Updates
    • Remembering John Kersh
    • Thorsborne Trail Upgrades
    • Vandana Shiva Screening
    • Green Drinks Recap
  • Other Stuff
    • Great Barrier Reef Symposium
    • AIMS Reef Report 2024/2025
    • Creekwatch Monitoring
    • Energy Forum Magnetic Island
    • Junk Fest
    • Undivided Panel Discussion
    • Work with NQ Dry Tropics
    • Thosborne Trail Updates

SUPPORT US


Trivia banner

Trivia is Coming!

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just in it for fun, Trivia is for everyone. It’s all about team spirit, enjoying a night with friends, and celebrating a long-standing tradition (and hey, nice prizes don’t hurt!).

Mark your calendar and start getting a team together!

Would you like to help organising the fun? Join our organising committee!

When: 6pm Sat 22 November
Where: 16 Ryan St, Belgian Gardens

HELP US BRING TRIVIA TO LIFE!

Assistant Treasurer Wanted

Want to build your skills, boost your CV and support a for-purpose community organisation? We're seeking an Assistant Treasurer (1-2 hrs/week) to support our wonderful Treasurer.

No need to be an expert – training and support provided! Express your interest below and we'll get in touch to answer any questions. We can't wait to hear from you!
EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

Crystal and Luna presenting the bike

Win this E-bike!

Do you have your tickets yet??

We are excited to be raffling off this VelectriX Cruiser Electric Bike valued at $1,999 from Townsville's BNG Sports! A powerful 250W motor, and Shimano 8-speed gearing, offer up to 50km of smooth, effortless riding. 

Just $10 gets you five entries and supports our work for the environment!

Tickets are now available to purchase online!

GET YOUR TICKETS


TAKE ACTION


 

Bioregional Planning Input

You have an opportunity to share your knowledge of the biodiversity values in the area near Julia Creek/Richmond to help shape the Northwest Bioregional Plan. Together, we can help protect natural values from the impacts of the region's expected mining boom.

The survey closes at 5pm, Mon 1 Sept.

LEARN MORE & PROVIDE INPUT

Map of project area

Map Priority Areas

Access our interactive map to indicate priority areas for protection or restoration in the Townsville region.

Use the comment tool to tell us why those areas are of value - the more detail the better!

This information will support our advocacy for the protection of our priority natural and cultural values.

Thank you to everyone who has already provided valuable contributions!

ACCESS THE MAP

Energy Transition Survey

How do get our local renewable energy transition right? What considerations should be made? How do we protect our natural and cultural values? We're keen to hear your insights!

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide thoughtful feedback through our simple online survey!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

NQCC UPDATES


John Kersh 

Tribute to John Kersh

This month, we remember and celebrate the life of John Kersh, who sadly passed away in July.

John will be remembered for his deep passion for the natural environment and for the pivotal role he played in encouraging NQCC to act to protect the Burdekin River from becoming another Murray–Darling.

We invite you to read a moving tribute prepared by NQCC Vice President, Peter Hanley.

READ THE TRIBUTE

group at screening

"Make a salad together"

Over 40 people joined the screening of The Seeds of Vandana Shiva and a panel discussion with Social Workers for Climate Action, Permaculture Townsville, and Food for Thought - Townsville.

From community gardens, seed libraries to reducing waste - the night was full of ideas and inspiration for building fairer, healthier food systems.

As one panellist put it: “I can grow tomatoes, you can grow cucumbers, and together we can make a salad.” Activism can be simple, inclusive, yummy, and fun!

Catch the full recap on our blog (link below)!
GET INSPIRED!

Group at green drinks

Green + Blue Drinks

At this month’s Green Drinks we were lucky to be joined by Kara and Dinny from the Healthy Waterways Partnership for the Dry Tropics.

Kara shared her journey from wanting to be a shark biologist to realising how deeply everything is connected - from our taps at home, to our creeks and rivers, all the way to the Reef.

The Dry Tropics Waterways Report Card helps make sense of these connections, showing us where we’re doing well and where we need to do better.
SEE WHAT YOU MISSED!

OTHER STUFF


Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Symposium

Join the 5th Annual Symposium of the Social Science Community for the Great Barrier Reef.

This symposium will bring together a community of researchers, practitioners and policymakers. It will highlight diverse stories of the Reef and its peoples, unpick moral dilemmas around decision-making in an uncertain world, and showcase past successes and evolving challenges.

The Symposium runs over three days, including a field trip, presentations and workshops.

When: Mon 8 - Wed 10 September
Where: The Ville Resort Casino

INFO & REGISTRATION

AIMS Reef Report Screenshot

AIMS Reef Report 2024/2025

This month, the Australian Institute of Marine Science released its latest Great Barrier Reef Condition Summary (2024–25). The report shows both encouraging signs of recovery and stark warnings about ongoing pressures, from climate change to crown-of-thorns starfish. If you care about the future of our Reef, this is essential reading.

ACCESS THE FULL REPORT

Group doing monitoring

Creek Monitoring

This September, OzFish has many opportunities for you to get outdoors!

These events are focused on seagrass restoration, fish monitoring, macroinvertebrate sampling, water quality monitoring and waterway health.

Please follow the link to find all the information. Registration is essential!

Next Opportunity: 

When: 8-10.30am Tues 2 September
Where: Idalia Lakes

GET OUT THERE

Reefblitz tile

Energy Forum 

Join Totally Renewable Magnetic (TRM) for a free community forum. 

Yurika – part of Energy Queensland (EQL) and a key player in delivering the QLD Government’s renewable energy goals – will present the findings of its microgrid feasibility study for the island which was commissioned by MICDA. 

Get the latest on household batteries and rebates!

When: 2-3.30pm Sat 20 September
Where: Peppers 123 Sooning St,
Nelly Bay

JOIN THE FORUM


landcare work

JunkFest

It is time to celebrate community, art, and recycling at the Magnetic Island Junk fest 2025!

Expect fashion shows, markets, demos, family fun and prizes! Register now for entry into the competitions.

You can also join a Pre-JunkFest Workshop on Saturday September 13.

When: Saturday 4 October
Where: Horseshoe Bay

JUNKFEST INFO

Undivided We Rise

Join a special panel discussion exploring the journey behind Woven Together: Undivided We Risean exhibition celebrating First Nations Culture, resilience, and community.

Artists Kim Ah Sam, Clare Jaque Vasquez, Jaeda Lenoy, Erica Muriata, Aunty Rosalind Sailor and Michona Warria will share their personal reflections.

When: 11.30am-12.30pm Sat 20 Sept
Where: Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts 408 Flinders Street

LEARN MORE

Job Opportunities

Are you looking for work in Natural Resource Management? NQ Dry Tropics might have something for you!

They are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

  • Climate Adaptation Coordinator
  • Administration Officer
  • IT Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Communications Officer
  • HR & WHS Coordinator
READ MORE AND APPLY

Thorsborne Trail Upgrades

QPWS, in partnership with Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners, have been progressing the Thorsborne Trail enhancement project on Hinchinbrook Island. We are pleased to see this collaboration, and appreciate the need for the upgrades. We also know this trail is special to many of our readers, so if you have questions or concerns regarding the project, you can contact QPWS or reply to this email to open a discussion with us.

READ MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

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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  • Luna Prince