The weather last Wednesday at JCU Market Day mirrored what many students told us they were feeling — overcast, a little heavy.

We set up a large “Climate Mood” board to check in with students about how they’re feeling about the climate crisis. Since the peak of the school strikes and the disruptions of COVID, things have quietened down. We wanted to know — what’s shifted, and where are people at now?

Last week’s Green Drinks at the Commonwealth Hotel was one of those slightly warmer winter nights that made it easy to settle into good company and meaningful conversations. We were especially pleased to welcome Juanita and Sandra from Social Workers for Climate Action — a powerful alliance of social work practitioners, students, educators and researchers based at JCU, committed to recognising climate change as an environmental, social justice and human rights issue.

As I write this, I am humbled by the donations that continue to roll in for our EOFY Appeal, which this year has been doubled by a generous matched donor. At this rate, we're on track to hit our $4000 goal, which will become $8000 towards our ambitious plans for the future. I know times are tough, so if you have managed to chip in this year, please know it means the world to us!

As you'll see, June has been an exciting, fast-paced month, where volunteers have contributed more than 250 hours combined! Luna and I are so grateful to the people around us who truly bring our organisation to life. 

Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark and keep doing the great things you do for nature and your community, whatever that may be.

Photo: Landcare volunteers enjoying morning tea in the 'fig tree cafe'.

On a Tuesday morning, NQCC joined volunteers of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare for a working bee at the slopes of Castle Hill. While we did some necessary watering and weeding, we enjoyed the view of a variety of natives thriving along the sun- bathed granite, as well as the diverse chatter of birds in the treetops. There was plenty to discover such as a bowerbird’s bower hidden in the shrubs right next to the track. With the work of the Landcare volunteers, the restoration of this beautiful hillside environment has formed homes for native wildlife like the bush turkeys, bower birds, echidnas, and wallabies.

This week, we gathered with our community for a very special Members’ Event - a night filled with meaningful conversations, campaign reflections, exciting announcements, and plenty of good food and laughter. At NQCC, we know that our strength lies in connection, and this evening was a beautiful reminder of that.

Despite a rainy day, the skies cleared just in time for a very special edition of Green Drinks by the Sea - and something was truly in the air. We were thrilled to welcome many new faces, alongside familiar friends we hadn’t seen for a while. It’s clear: our movement is growing.

This month, we were joined by two outstanding local champions for the ocean: Dr. Adam Smith and Jacinta Jefferies, representing both Reef Ecologic and the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). From marine science to underwater sculptures, their work beautifully connects community, creativity, and conservation.

Celebrating Our Volunteers with a Walk on the Wild Side

What better way to celebrate our amazing volunteers during National Volunteer Week than by connecting with some of Townsville’s beautiful urban green spaces along the Ross River?

We kicked off the day with some delicious treats and great conversations about the latest local sustainability initiatives. Then we were joined by Townsville City Council’s Water Educator, Annmarie, for a guided walk along the Booroona Trail - or "Snake Trail" in the Bindal language.

On a warm Sunday afternoon in Townsville, nearly 70 passionate locals gathered for a powerful Climate and Energy Rally - and what an inspiring show of strength, unity, and vision it was.

Against the backdrop of intensifying climate impacts and looming policy choices, people came together to listen, share, and stand up for a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for North Queensland and beyond.

The rally brought together a diverse line-up of speakers -  each adding their voice to a common call: our energy future must be clean, just, and community-powered.

Last Saturday, NQCC member Malcolm and NQCC Community Campaigner Luna joined a saltmarsh monitoring expedition right here in Townsville, led by the newly active local chapter of Earthwatch.

Saltmarshes might look plain from afar - only good for drifting or dumping rubbish - but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These vital ecosystems are surprisingly diverse, full of colour after the recent rains, and teeming with unique plant and animal life.

With just four weeks until the federal election, we know a lot of you will be busy campaigning, researching, sharing information and having important conversations with your friends and family.

We're working hard to ensure local candidates put nature and climate up high on their policy agendas. They need to know that the long-term protection of our environment matters to voters, which is why every action counts!