With September coming to a close, we're hitting a spicy time of year! We're in full swing preparing for our upcoming AGM, making submissions, meeting with Council, presenting to community groups and mobilising in the lead-up to the Voice to Parliament referendum!

Thank you to all of the dedicated volunteers who have helped us kick so many goals this month! If you have received a membership renewal notice recently but haven't gotten around to clicking through, consider this a gentle reminder to renew your membership before our AGM. Your support is much appreciated! 

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator 

In this edition:

• NQCC Updates
  • AGM
  • Meeting with TCC
  • Green Drinks report back
• Other Events
  • Conversations with Impact
  • "The Giants" film screening
  • Great Barrier Reef Clean-Up
  • Celebrating Our World Heritage Island
  • Geography Matters: Reconciliation in Australian Conservation
  • Climate Cafés (Psychology for a Safe Climate)
• Nature Protection
  • Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum
  • Tree battle continues
• Climate and Energy Transition
  
  • BHP coal mine expansion
• Indigenous Voice to Parliament

NQCC UPDATES

NQCC AGM

Our AGM will be held from 6pm on Wednesday 4 Oct, and we'd love you to join us! There will be drinks for sale and wood-fired pizzas to enjoy while you hear about our organisation's journey over the past twelve months or so. You'll also have the chance to win a $50 voucher from our generous friends at Mary Who? Bookshop in our fundraising raffle! For catering purposes, please RSVP by Sun 1 Oct (or ASAP) and email us with any dietary requirements. 

Meeting with TCC Sustainability

Earlier this month, NQCC's Climate Action Group met with Townsville City Council's Sustainability Team. We shared priorities, insights and aspirations, and handed over our Sustainability Tree in the presence of Mayor Jenny Hill. It was enlightening and energising, and we hope to work closely together with Townsville City Council towards our goal of a livable and natural city in a changing climate. Big thanks and well done to Sandra, Emma, David and Jamie!

Green Drinks

Last Green Drinks, we had the chance to learn about moves towards ending unnecessary single-use plastic from Plastic Free Townsville's Diana Condylas - thanks Diana and all who attended! As of 1 September, Queensland's plastics ban has been extended, which is a great step forward!

For details of our October Green Drinks, keep an eye on your inbox and the Green Drinks Facebook Group! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Conversations with Impact

Social Enterprise Network and Planet-Conscious Townsville are collaborating to bring you Conversations with Impact! On Friday 29 September at the Smart Precinct, you will hear from six Townsville changemakers working in environmental or social impact. 

We're delighted to have been invited to promote NQCC at this event, and we'd love to see you there to support local organisations doing good work! See you at 5.30pm for a 6pm kick-off. Tickets are just $7, so why not invite a friend?

"The Giants" Film Screening

On Thursday 5 October, you can see "The Giants" at BCC Cinemas on Little Fletcher St. Admission is $15 each for a double bill, with the Survival of Kindness starting at 7pm and The Giants starting at 9.10pm. The Townsville Cinema Group is a lively bunch of film fans who would love to have you along.

Great Barrier Reef Clean-Up

This October, join ReefClean’s Great Barrier Reef Clean-up! This is a month-long series of events that invite citizen scientists, schools, community groups, local governments and ocean lovers to help look after our reef. 

The main event will be at Wunjunga Beach: Join NQ Dry Tropics, Burdekin Council and the Gudjuda Rangers from 9am-1pm Saturday 7 October! You can also find a clean up near you or register your own event on their website...

Celebrating Our World Heritage Island

Our friends from Yunbenun/Magnetic Island warmly invite you to join them on Saturday 7 October at 5pm for a guided beach stroll along Geoffrey Bay, followed by a film screening at 6.30pm at the Arcadia Hotel with informal discussion about the film and the Island's World Heritage Values.  

Geography Matters: Reconciliation in Australian Conservation

October's Geography Matters event will be presented by A/Prof Emilie Ens, a cross cultural ecologist based in the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University. The topic is Reconciliation in Australian Conservation: The Emergence of Cross-Cultural Approaches in Ecology and Environmental Management. Join online from 7.30 - 8.30pm on Tuesday 10 October. 

Climate Cafés (Online)

Psychology for a Safe Climate offers online Climate Cafés - supportive, facilitated gatherings where you can voice concerns that may not be welcomed or echoed elsewhere in your daily life. You’re invited to share with interested others how you’re really feeling at this challenging time.

There may be laughter, there may be tears. There may be fear, there may be anger. Whatever you’re feeling is okay and valued. And it’s fine just to listen. Sharing, listening and being quiet together are all part of our Café. This is offered at 2.30pm Sunday 22 Oct and 2.30pm Sunday 26 Nov for a small fee of $10.

NATURE PROTECTION

First Nations Dingo Forum

The Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum was held in Cairns earlier this month, where a National First Nations' Dingo Declaration was written and signed by representatives from more than 20 First Nations groups calling for protection of the dingo. The statement highlights the dingo as a cultural icon representing a vital connection to Country for First Nations people.

Local dingo conservationist Shakira Todd attended, and says it was an honour to hear First Nations peoples speak so powerfully and passionately about dingoes, "the boss of Country". We second her congratulations to Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and to all that attended and supported the successful forum!

 Tree Battle Continues

The Townsville Tree Advocacy Group have been keeping vigil with a century-old Milky Pine (Alstonia scholaris) in Queens Gardens, due for removal by Townsville City Council.

They have been requesting a second opinion on the decision and the exploration of other options to save it. Supporters have been visiting the tree, spending time in its shade and resonance and attaching yellow ribbon with quotes and messages. You are encouraged to do the same, or contact Townsville City Council, with your support for protecting and enhancing our urban forest.   

CLIMATE & ENERGY TRANSITION

BHP Coal Mine Expansion

BHP is pushing to expand their Caval Ridge mine in Central Queensland for another 30+ years. The science is clear - we cannot afford any new or expanding fossil fuel projects!

Public comments on this project are only open until this Friday, 29 September. Our friends at Mackay Conservation Group have written a submission template, and would love you to add your name. It takes less than a minute! 

INDIGENOUS VOICE TO PARLIAMENT

Townsville's Walk for Yes was attended by a crowd of 300 strong, and we were proud to see numerous NQCC supporters in there! Congratulations to the event organisers and speakers for such a powerful and positive event.

With the referendum date fast approaching, we would really encourage you to do what you can to ensure your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues are well informed. There are plenty of ways to volunteer with the Yes23 campaign - simply sign up to Townsville for Yes or Kennedy for Yes to receive updates and call outs. 

Some prominent North Queenslanders speaking out in support of the Voice include Uncle Eddie Smallwood, Cliff Cobbo, Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood and Lynore Geia.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Keen to get out and about in nature? Check out our Volunteer Opportunities and List of Environmental Organisations to find something that fills your cup! From planting trees to sorting debris, there's something for everyone!

Have something you'd like to share with NQCC supporters? Let us know!

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Yours naturally,

North Queensland Conservation Council