This month, the Australian Government outlined our climate future scenarios with the release of their first National Climate Risk Assessment. If this had you feeling grief-stricken, angry or numb, you're not alone. The following week, they released a climate target that looks much like a balancing act between taking action and ensuring our country's biggest polluters can still turn a healthy profit.
What can we do about it?
With North Queensland as a key region in our state's energy transition, we need to make sure we get renewables right - and we want your input! We also need to prioritise climate adaptation that harnesses the power of nature and the strengths of our community. Our open letter to decision-makers lays out our expectations - let us know ASAP if your organisation wants to sign on!
We also need to look after each other - and throughout October, Luna is leveraging our wonderful local networks to provide meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection and empowerment.
With the support of a strong, renewed Management Committee and supporters like you, we remain hopeful for the future. Please enjoy the read.
- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator
In this edition:
- Upcoming Events
- Online Workshop
- Green Drinks
- Screening Event
- Trivia Night
- NQCC Updates
- AGM recap
- E-bike winner
- Book Launch Shaking the Trees
- Threatened Species Day
- Reef Symposium
- Other Opportunities
- Pallarenda Clean-Up
- Saltmarsh Workshops
- Climate Mental Health
- Junk Fest
- QLD Decarb Forum
- Further Reading
- Two Years From the Voice
- E-DNA and conservation
- Tackling Solastalgia
UPCOMING EVENTS
Online Workshop
Can large-scale solar projects be a win-win for climate and nature?
Join us for an interactive online workshop with Dr Eric Nordberg and Prof Lin Schwarzkopf to learn more! Bring your questions and suggestions about opportunities to protect biodiversity in our energy transition.
Can't make it? Send your questions to [email protected] and we'll ask on your behalf!
When: 6-8pm Thursday 9 October
Where: online (RSVP for the Zoom link)
| REGISTER NOW |
Green Drinks
Join us for our final Green Drinks of the year!
Our guest speaker is Diana Condylas from Plastic Free Townsville (Boomerang Alliance). She’ll share updates on new developments in legislative change and local progress on zero waste initiatives.
Afterwards, we’ll turn to the “hive mind” for a practical discussion: how to keep a household with low-waste essentials.
When: 6-8pm Thursday 16 October
Where: Commonwealth Hotel, South Townsville
| RSVP TO GREEN DRINKS |
The Way Out
Together, we’ll explore how mindfulness can strengthen our wellbeing, nurture happiness, and inspire collective action for a more sustainable future.
Chloe Watfern (Black Dog Institute) will explore how mindfulness supports emotional resilience and careful activism. Juanita D’Aguiar (Dynamic Synergy Yoga & Counselling) will guide us through some body-centering and meditation practices.
When: 5.30-8.30pm Friday 24 October
Where: Grill'd, Palmer Street
| INFO & RSVP |
Trivia is Open!
Get your team together (or join one on the night), test your wits, and support the protection of North Queensland’s environment. Plus, don’t miss our raffle - with prizes ranging from wildlife experiences to yoga classes!
Tickets: $120 per table of 8, or $20 per person. Bonus points for costumes and team spirit!
Help us set up and dinner’s on us, or pack down after and enjoy a free drink. Sign up to volunteer here!
When: 6pm Sat 22 November
Where: 16 Ryan St, Belgian Gardens
| BOOK YOUR TRIVIA SPOT |
| PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS |
NQCC UPDATES
AGM 2025
At last week's AGM, members came together to celebrate another big year for NQCC! We renewed our Management Committee, welcomed a new honorary life member, tabled our 2024/25 Annual Report, reflected on recent achievements and shared our vision for the year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the night and gave us valuable feedback, and to our volunteers for helping to put the night together!
| READ THE FULL AGM RECAP |
We Have a Winner!
Congratulations to Chris Cooper, the lucky winner of our Velectrix Cruiser e-bike! Chris really threw his support behind this fundraiser, so we are stoked he got the win. When we called with the good news, he told us: “I’m still a bit in a bubble - I usually never win!”
To everyone else - while you might be a little disappointed not to take home the prize, your tickets were a valuable contribution to NQCC and our work for the environment. Thanks to your generosity, we sold $5,000 worth of tickets!
Shaking the Trees
Last month we celebrated the launch of Jeremy Tager’s powerful new novel Shaking the Trees. The evening was raw, honest, and thought-provoking - exploring how climate breakdown, injustice, and conflict intertwine with our personal lives.
The conversation touched on corporate power, the limits of democracy, and the courage needed to face global crises - but also reminded us of the connections and hope we can still nurture. Thank you to everyone who joined this moving discussion.
| SEE WHAT YOU MISSED! |
Threatened Species Day
NQCC was out at the Strand Night Markets for Threatened Species Day, challenging locals to name some of Queensland's most endangered species. While most people recognised the iconic ones, others proved more of a challenge.
With face painting, fundraising, and plenty of conversations about the challenges facing our unique wildlife, volunteers Clancy, Monita and Cheryl helped engage participants of all ages in learning and action.
Reef Symposium
NQCC joined the 5th Annual Symposium of the Social Science Community for the GBR. The event brought together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to explore the human dimensions of reef conservation.
Luna shared insights from NQCC’s 2024 Story Circle Project, highlighting the importance of community storytelling in complementing scientific knowledge.
The symposium sparked discussions on the role of emotion in reef protection, innovative monitoring approaches, and the significance of women’s leadership in conservation.
| READ OUR SUMMARY |
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Beach Clean-Up!
Join us on Pallarenda Beach to celebrate the launch of the Great Barrier Reef Clean-Up 2025 with Tangaroa Blue!
What to bring: enclosed shoes, sun protection and your reusable water bottle. All equipment and drinking water top-ups will be provided.
Our Community Campaigner Luna will be there representing NQCC - any other NQCC supporters want to join in the fun?
When: 9-11am Wed 1 October
Where: Walter Nisbet Park Pallarenda
| JOIN THE TEAM |
Wetland Workshop
Help Shape the Future of Our Wetlands! Join MangroveWatch this October for two special events to protect Townsville’s mangroves and saltmarshes:
Evening Presentation sharing the latest updates
When: 6-9pm Fri 10 October
Where: NQCC, 114 Boundary St, Railway Estate
Hands-On Workshop
When: 10am-3pm Sat 11 October
Where: Townsville Education Centre, 8 Keane St, Currajong
Everyone is welcome, but registrations are essential!
| RSVP HERE |
Climate-Related Stress
Are you 18–30?
Ecomind, together with Curtin University, Psychology for a Safe Climate, Imperial College London’s Climate Cares, and the Black Dog Institute, is launching what could be Australia’s largest survey on climate change and mental health in young people.
The survey explores young Australians’ experiences, feelings, and needs around mental health and wellbeing related to climate change. Your voice will help shape research and support for young people facing climate-related stress.
| TAKE THE SURVEY |
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.
When: 10am-4pm Saturday 4 October
Where: Horseshoe Bay Community Centre
| JUNKFEST INFO |
Decarbonisation Hub Forum
Join the second statewide forum on Queensland’s transition to net zero, bringing together researchers, policymakers, industry, and community. Over two days, hear from keynote speakers, take part in interactive sessions, and connect with others shaping Queensland’s decarbonisation future.
When: Wed 5 - Thurs 6 November
Where: JCU Bebegu Yumba campus, Townsville
| REGISTER HERE |
FURTHER READING
Where do we go from here? Two years on from the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum
| READ |
Gone fishin’ with eDNA: Understanding fish biodiversity in North Queensland
| READ |
What is 'Solastalgia' and how are climate-affected communities tackling it?
| 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 |
Showing 1 reaction