I hope our first edition of Paperbark for 2026 finds you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for anything!
If you've entered the new year with a strong desire to: learn new skills, meet new people, live your values, take action in your community, or simply spend more time in nature, then we've got you sorted!
This year promises to be filled with opportunities to "think global, act local", with hands-on conservation activities, citizen science, political advocacy, fundraising, film nights, networking and more!
We look forward to having you join us this year in our strategic efforts for stronger nature protection and climate action. Thanks for standing with us!
- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator
In this edition:
- TAKE ACTION
- Extreme Heat Awareness Day at Cotters Market
- Petition: Protect flying foxes from shooting
- Volunteer with us in 2026
- OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- World Wetlands Day at Mundy Creek Landcare
- Mangrove Monitoring back in 2026
- NQ Wildlife Care Training
- Outdoor Artists Townsville
- FURTHER READING
- Deforestation doom
- Global Risks Report
- Best climate stories from 2025
Welcome Students!
We had an amazing time at JCU Market Day, meeting 35 new students eager to get involved in protecting North Queensland’s environment.
We know uni life is busy - studying, working, making friends, exploring new places - which makes it even more meaningful when students choose to connect with us. There’s a lot we can offer that could change their lives and our environment for the better, from hands-on conservation work to advocacy, events, and leadership opportunities. Read more about the day here!
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who responded so generously to our end-of-year donation and container recycling appeal! Whether you donated cash or cans, it's all going to a great cause, and is much appreciated.
Remember, we accept donations 24/7! We have multiple easy and secure options for making a tax-deductible donation, and you can also donate your eligible containers at our office or with our charity number at your closest depot!
Beyond Survival Day
26 Jan is an opportunity to learn, reflect and show solidarity with First Nations peoples, but we know that our allyship is needed all year round.
Below are some great resources to support your journey in 2026:
📺 Watch: SBS on Demand collection
📖 Read: FirstNationsNews.com.au
🎧 Listen: Deadly Story podcasts
Want to do more? Join NQCC's First Nations Partnerships Subcommittee and help put your allyship into action!
TAKE ACTION
Extreme Heat Awareness Day
February 4 is Extreme Heat Awareness Day - a national moment to recognise how rising temperatures affect our health and everyday lives. It’s time for governments to recognise heat as a serious natural hazard and support local, practical solutions.
That’s why we’re launching Too Hot to Ignore: A Cooler Townsville Project - a community-led effort to listen to local experiences, identify the hottest places in our city, and build momentum for real, people-centred cooling solutions.
Be part of it at our first market stall:
When: 8am - 1pm Sun 8 Feb
Where: Cotters Market, CBD
Protect Flying Foxes!
Flying fox shooting in Queensland was meant to be phased out by June 2026, but in December, the Queensland Government quietly reversed this decision (watch our short video here).
This backflip places the endangered Spectacled Flying Fox at serious risk and raises concerns about political decision-making and transparency.
Please add your voice by signing the petition calling on the Queensland Government to honour its commitment and end flying fox shooting.
| SIGN THE PETITION |
Volunteer with us!
NQCC is powered by volunteers, and 2026 has plenty of opportunities to get involved. We’re currently looking for:
- Someone to assist our Treasurer for a few hours per week
- People to join our amazing Climate Action Group
- Members for our First Nations Partnerships Committee
- Volunteers to help with fundraising (garage sale, peer-to-peer fundraising, trivia night)
If you’d like to contribute your skills and energy to protecting North Queensland’s environment, we’d love to hear from you.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Landcare Opportunities
The outdoors are waiting! Spend time in nature, meet new people and work off the Christmas belly. Join Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare! Find your closest Landcare site on their website and find upcoming events on their Facebook page.
Why not celebrate World Wetlands Day with some tree planting at Mundy Creek?
When: 4.30-6.30pm Sat 7 Feb
Where: Mundy Creek Natureway, Garbutt (access via Lockheed St)
| RSVP HERE |
Mangrove Monitoring
EarthWatch ran a series of citizen science activities in our region last year, helping to identify the values and threats of our local saltmarshes and mangroves.
We're happy to announce that we will continue to support their citizen science activities in 2026!
Stay tuned for field opportunities starting in April.
Wildlife Care Training
NQ Wildlife Care is offering a range of training courses over the coming months, and you're invited! Coming up soon:
Introduction to Wildlife Care
Sat 31 Jan, 10am
Native Reptile Care
Sun 1 Feb, 1pm
Other courses include Wildlife Rescue & Animal Handling, Flying Fox Care, Macropod Care, Microbat Care, Native Bird Care, and Possum Care.
Find all dates, fees, and requirements on their website!
| LEARN MORE |
Outdoor Art
What a great way to connect with nature and community. Have you heard of Outdoor Artists Townsville yet? It is a regular casual get together for anyone who liked to get creative in company while enjoying nice views.
No need to be a Picasso but bring your own materials.
When: 1-4pm Sat 21 Feb
Where: Soroptimist Park (trees behind playground)
FURTHER READING
Deforestation doom: 2025 worst year in more than a decade for federally-approved bulldozing of bush
Global Risks Report 2025 reveals an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress.
| READ |
2025 wrapped: the best climate stories from Australia and the world
| READ |
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.
Showing 1 reaction