NQCC UPDATES

River Rescue

Sunday mornings done right! Last weekend, 30 volunteers collected and sorted over 160kg or rubbish from the mangroves, saltmarshes and carparks around the Barnicle St boat ramp, to help protect our environment and wildlife from the ravages of rubbish.

This clean up was a collaboration between NQCC, NQ Wildlife Care and Healthy Waters Partnership Dry Tropics. We were also joined by TIDY Up Townsville and Earthwatch Australia. Thanks to everyone who pitched in! We can't wait to see you at the next one...

Thank You!

Because it was such a wonderful community effort, we wanted to share it again.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Love Where You Live fundraiser in April! We raised an incredible $5,600 for the environment in our final count. 

We especially want to celebrate all the community champions, volunteers, supporters, businesses, friends and families who contributed their time, energy and generosity along the way.

Congratulations to Bernadette for taking home the well-earned prize pack from Coffee Presto including a new NQCC branded cup. Together, Bernadette and her friends raised an incredible $1,005 on their own!

Ministerial Roundtable

Raising NQ issues with Queensland's Environment Minister at the biannual Ministerial Roundtable is an important part of our work.

We engaged on several key issues, including the lack of environmental assessments and Traditional Owner consultation for the proposed redevelopment of Port Hinchinbrook. 

In an era where poorly-defined "ecotourism" is prioritised above conservation, all of our voices are vital to protect the places we love.

Green Drinks in Antarctica

Last week’s Green Drinks brought together a wonderful mix of ocean lovers for an important conversation about Antarctic krill fishing and aquaculture - and the surprising connections between the Southern Ocean and North Queensland.

A big thank you to Erin Miles from the Bob Brown Foundation for sharing insights into the campaign and helping unpack how global marine industries connect back to reef health, whales, tourism, and coastal ecosystems here in the north.

Follow the link below to learn more about Antarctic krill fishing.

Our first Climate Café

This month we gathered for a gentle evening of candlelight and an honest conversation about the climate crisis and how it lives within us.

For many, it was their first Climate Café - but we quickly found what connects us: worry for future generations, grief for places already changing, frustration at systems that feel too big to shift, and a longing for simpler and more sustainable ways of living.

Most importantly, we left feeling less alone.

If you’d like to explore Climate Cafés further, have a look at Psychology for a Safe Climate to learn more and find options to join a café online or in other communities.

OTHER STUFF

World Ocean Day

World Ocean Day is coming up on Monday June 8, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate and connect with our oceans here in North Queensland!

Reef Ecologic and MOUA – Museum of Underwater Art have put together a fantastic range of activities and events, including diving trips, art exhibitions, and screenings from the Ocean Film Festival.

Whether you want to get out on the water, explore marine-inspired art, or simply spend an evening celebrating our blue planet, there’s something for everyone.

Follow the links below to explore the full program and take your pick!

Join a Survey

Join MangroveWatch for their 2026 Saltmarsh Monitoring season!

It’s a fantastic chance to explore unique saltmarsh habitats & contribute real data to the Saltmarsh Dashboard. No experience is needed - just bring sturdy shoes, water, and a willingness to get a little muddy.

The one and only Mangrove Jock will be in town around this time, so it's the best time to learn from the source!

Next Dates (10am-2pm):
Sat 13 June Bluewater
Sun 14 June Oonoonba

Clean Up

What better way to celebrate World Ocean Day than by helping clean up our own mess and stopping rubbish from washing back into the ocean?

Join Tangaroa Blue for a Secret Beach Monitoring Clean-up and help protect our waterways.

When: 2-4pm Mon 1 June
Where: Dirt car park on Ron McLean Drive at the end of Boundary Street

Registration is essential - email [email protected] to sign up.

Photo credit: Malcolm Tattersall

Land & Sea Festival

Join the Land & Sea Festival on Magnetic Island - a vibrant community celebration of the landscapes and seascapes that make our region so special.

Between World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, this family-friendly event is a chance to connect with nature, learn about local conservation efforts, and celebrate the natural world.

The festival will feature interactive stalls, citizen science activities, live music and performances, short talks, great food, and activities for all ages.

When: 10am-3pm Saturday 6 June
Where: Nomads Magnetic Island

Free event – all

Resilience Matters Webinar

Join the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience for the next session in the Resilience Matters Webinar Series, focusing on “Nature values and disaster risk reduction”.

This webinar will explore how natural values and biodiversity are increasingly affected by extreme weather events, and how nature-based solutions can play a powerful role in reducing disaster risk and supporting climate adaptation.

The session will be valuable for practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in building more resilient communities through nature-based solutions.

When: 1pm- 2pm Tuesday 9 June

Where: Online (follow link below to register)

Waddananggu Mala - 5 Year Celebration

WHAT: Three day celebration and ceremony to celebrate Waddananggu's fifth birthday. Join us for time connecting on Country, ceremony, yarns and live music by special guests, including by of course me (Gurridyula)!

WHEN: Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August

Ticket sales close 5pm Friday August 21st OR if SOLD OUT (participant numbers are capped at 200 so get in quick!)

Webinar: Cultural Licence to Respond

This is the first of two webinars ahead of the Reimagining Conservation forum from 21–24 September on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country in Cairns, Queensland.

Listen to webinar panel members share their perspectives and discuss the importance of conservation in Australia recognising and being guided by cultural authority, knowledge systems and Indigenous leadership.

WHEN: Thursday 4 June, 1.30-3.30pm

Ocean Acidification: Webinar Recording

Follow the link below to access a recording of a great talk by Dr Katharina Fabricius presenting background on the concept of ocean acidification (and coastal acidification), including what is known about its effects on coral reefs, specifically the Great Barrier Reef.

FURTHER READING

Garage Sales and Green Groups
Malcolm Tattersall

2025 Annual Progress Report
Climate Change Authority

Did You Know...?

It has never been easier to leave NQCC a gift in your will. This simple step can be undertaken any time, and will give you peace of mind that your passion for conserving nature will be a part of your legacy.

Even a small gift can be transformational for an organisation like ours. Learn more on our website, and reach out if you'd like to chat.

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.