There's always plenty to be angry about these days. Whether it's the Australian Government approving new gas expansions, or the Queensland Government cutting funding for environmental legal services, it seems that any faith in governments to make the world a better place may be mislaid right now.
Luckily, we know that a lot of great things can also happen at the grassroots. That's what Paperbark is all about!
We're currently in the middle of Reconciliation Week, where non-Indigenous Australians are invited to listen, learn and stand alongside First Nations peoples to Bridge Now to Next. We hope you make the most of this opportunity and invite you to share your reflections with us at our upcoming Members' Event.
Next week, activities abound for World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. With so much to celebrate and protect, we're looking forward to connecting with you this month!
- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator
In this edition:
- Upcoming Events
- Members' Event
- World Environment Day
- Heatwave Workshop
- Our Townsville
- Garage Sale Fundraiser
- NQCC Updates
- Ministerial Roundtable
- Connecting with Gugu Badhun
- Volunteer Week
- Green Drinks Recap
- Sustainability Journal article
- Take Action
- Hold Labor to Account
- Call for EDO Funding
- Waste Strategy Consultation
- Other Stuff
- Beach Clean-ups
- International Seaweed Day
- Mabo Day Festival
- Reef Blitz
- Ocean Movie Night
- GTAQ regional conference
- COP31 - talent register
- Landcare opportunities
UPCOMING EVENTS
Members' Event
Join us in our beautiful backyard for a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and community.
Catch up on what we've been working on, share what matters most to you, and enjoy some delicious food and a drink together. You can find the agenda and proxy forms here.
Please RSVP so we can make enough pizza!
When: 6-8pm Wednesday 4 June
Where: NQCC Office, 114 Boundary St
| RSVP TO THE MEMBERS' EVENT |
Environment Day
Join us for a fun and educational morning celebrating nature!
We've been invited to talk at the Upper Ross Community Centre about the important role of pollinators in our ecosystem. Kids will be potting their own native trees - generously donated by Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare - to take home and care for.
If you're passionate about inspiring the next generation, come along!
When: 10-11am Thursday 5 June
Where: Upper Ross Community Centre, Rasmussen
| INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION |
Heat Workshop
Join us for a free workshop on community heat resilience hosted by Sweltering Cities, in partnership with Once Upon Tomorrow, Queensland Community Alliance, and NQCC!
This workshop is for anyone working with communities, health, housing, local businesses, or systems affected by heat—whether through your work, lived experience, or community involvement. You don’t need to be an expert—just bring your insights, experience, and ideas.
When: 9am-4pm Wednesday 11 June
Where: The Surf Club Townsville
| INFO & REGISTRATION |
Our Townsville
Join NQCC at Our Townsville for a fun-filled day celebrating our beautiful natural environment!
We’ve got something for everyone – from face painting and a nature scavenger hunt, to engaging conversations about building a greener future for Townsville!
Would you like to help us on the day? We'd love your enthusiasm!
When: 9am-4pm Sunday 15 June
Where: Anderson Gardens, Mundingburra
| SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER |
Garage Sale
Thank you to everyone who has already dropped off donations at the office! We love how this event combines recycling, community and fundraising. You can support this event in three ways:
Donate your unwanted goods to the NQCC office by Thursday 19 June.
Volunteer a few hours to help us sort and price donations, or lend a hand on the day.
Share the Facebook event to help us spread the word!
When: 7am-4pm Saturday 21 June
Where: 114 Boundary St, Railway Estate
NQCC UPDATES
MERT Summary
This month we attended the first Ministerial Environment Roundtable (MERT) since the state election.
In addition to conservation issues and opportunities specific to North Queensland, we participated in robust and constructive dialogue with Minister Andrew Powell regarding climate adaptation and the tension between tourism and conservation in our national parks. Follow the link below for our summary of the week's roundtables.
Connecting for Country
We recently met with representatives of the Gugu Badhun Aboriginal Corporation, to understand our shared interests and discuss environmental threats to their Country in the Upper Burdekin region.
CEO Alison (pictured) also shared some of the achievements and aspirations of Gugu Badhun, continuing a long story of resilience, adaptation and cultural pride. We look forward to working together to help protect their Country for the generations that follow.
Volunteer Week
For something a little different, we celebrated this National Volunteer Week with a local sustainability tour!
We kicked off the day with some delicious treats, then we were joined by Townsville City Council’s Water Educator, Annmarie, for a guided walk along the Booroona Trail.
As we walked, we saw firsthand just how well-loved the trail is by the community - a space for exercise, exploration, and reflection. At the same time, we discussed the challenges these green spaces face.
| READ MORE |
May Green Drinks
We welcomed Adam Smith and Jacinta Jefferies from Reef Ecologic and the Museum of Underwater Art to a Green Drinks by the sea.
From marine science to underwater sculptures, their work beautifully connects community, creativity, and conservation.
Adam had a powerful suggestion for World Ocean Day: "At the very least, go down to the ocean. Put your hand in the water. Feel it. Rub it on your arms like some First Nations people do. Notice the wildlife. Reconnect."
| SEE WHAT YOU MISSED! |
"It's My Reef"
TAKE ACTION
Hold Federal Labor to Account
Despite promises of climate action from the newly elected Federal Labor Government, Environment Minister Murray Watt has just approved Woodside’s extension to the North West Shelf, greenlighting gas extraction for almost 50 years.
This project will emit 4 billion tonnes of emissions, corrode Australia’s priceless cultural heritage and drive up energy prices.
What can you do?
You can write your own letter to Minister Watt or any member of federal parliament expressing your reaction to this decision, or you can sign onto a petition from The Australia Institute calling upon the Australian Government to reject this project extension, protect our climate and put the interests of Australians before multinational corporate profits.
| SIGN THE PETITION |
Call for Funding for Qld EDO
In the same week that conservation groups from around Queensland met with our new state Environment Minister, we learned that funding for the Queensland Environment Defenders' Office would be completely discontinued.
The EDO provides crucial legal support for everyday Queenslanders trying to uphold our environmental laws. This decision is also a blatant broken promise that was given to the conservation sector by Shadow Environment Minister Sam O'Connor last year.
What can you do?
You can send an email to Premier Crisafulli and his Ministers with Queensland Conservation Council's easy template, or write your own.
| SEND AN EMAIL |
Waste Strategy: Have Your Say
The Queensland Government has introduced a new Draft Waste Strategy, and you can have your say until Thursday 26 June.
After reading the Draft New Queensland Waste Strategy or Community Summary, you can have your say in one of three ways:
Complete a simple survey (you will need to sign in with your "In the Loop" account)
Complete a detailed survey (sign-in also required)
Upload a written submission to the portal
Remember - most of those providing input will likely be representing the interests of those who produce waste and don't want to be penalised for doing so. It's important that circular economy and true sustainability principles are embedded in this new strategy and that polluters pay their fair share.
OTHER STUFF
Beach Clean-Ups
Join Tangaroa Blue to help prevent marine debris from entering the Great Barrier Reef! You'll be helping clean our beautiful beaches whilst gathering important information for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database.
When: 8am-12pm Monday 2 June
Where: Shelly Cove, Cape Pallarenda
REGISTER HERE
When: 1pm-4pm Tuesday 10 June
Where: Secret Beach, Railway Estate
REGISTER HERE
Seaweed Day
Celebrate International Seaweed Day at an ocean-inspired film festival exploring role of seaweed in climate solutions, sustainable food systems, marine innovation, and coastal communities.
Whether you're a scientist, foodie, filmmaker, or ocean lover - this evening will offer fresh perspectives, salty snacks, and plenty of inspiration.
Please note this is an open-air event and there is limited seating.
When: 6.30pm-9pm Tuesday 3 June
Where: Central Plaza (Building 143), James Cook University
| CELEBRATE SEAWEED |
Mabo Day Festival
Celebrate Mabo Day - a celebration of truth, justice, and the enduring legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo.
This special day will feature cultural activities, live music, vibrant market stalls, and delicious food celebrating First Nations culture and community. It’s a time to reflect, connect, and celebrate the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
When: 3pm-8pm Saturday 7 June
Where: Jezzine Barracks, Isley Street
| SHARE THE FACEBOOK EVENT |
Reefblitz
Explore the stunning coral reef and the historic Moltke shipwreck and engage with iNaturalist, contributing valuable data to ongoing marine research.
When: 8.30am-12pm Saturday 7 June
Where: Pleasure Divers, Arcadia
Check out the MOUA website for more World Ocean Day Activities.
| JOIN AN EXPEDITION |
Ocean Movie Night
You're invited to a free movie night on Yunbenun featuring Divers for Climate.
It tells the stories of those experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand in the underwater world, highlighting the unique perspectives of individuals deeply connected to the oceans and the urgency of addressing climate change.
When: 6.30pm Sunday 8 June
Where: Pleasure Divers, Arcadia
| LEARN MORE |
Geography Conference
This regional conference will feature some of the Queensland's leading Geography educators and people making a difference in the arena of Geography education. Dr Mark Limb and Julie Davis among others, will take to the stage to inspire, inform and ensure teachers walk away armed with strategies and solutions to drive their classrooms into the 21st century and deliver content and skills necessary for the geography classroom.
When: 8am - 5pm Wed 14 June
Where: The Cathedral School, Mundingburra
| INFO & REGISTRATION |
COP31 Talent Register
Australia is bidding to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in 2026, in partnership with the Pacific.
The COP31 Talent Register provides all eligible members of the community with the opportunity to register for upcoming temporary employment opportunities with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment
| MORE INFO |
Landcare Opportunities
Want to spend time in nature, meet new people and get some free exercise? Join Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare! Find your closest Landcare site on their website and find upcoming events on their Facebook page.
Why not help out at the next Community Working Bee at Castle Hill?
When: 7-9am Tuesday 3 June
Where: Hillside Cres (near goat track)
| LEARN MORE |
Not a member yet?
There are so many good reasons to join us. Be part of a growing voice for nature in North Queensland! It's a way to take action, stay informed, and connect with others who want to create a better future. Click on the link below to find out more about our membership.
| NQCC MEMBERSHIP |
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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