A favourite time of year for many, June has brought us EcoFiesta, Reconciliation Week, a Member Gathering and our biggest Community Garage Sale yet!

The action has been a little bittersweet though, as we farewell Luna, who has brought so much to our organisation over the past two years and will be sorely missed.

Funding long-term positions in organisations like ours can be really tough. That's why we're so grateful to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts this year. With just hours to go, we're inching ever closer to our EOFY target, and donations are always welcome!

It's a jam-packed update this month, but before we dive into it I want to thank everyone who made a submission to the State Development Bill last week. The Bill aims to undermine environment and community to fast track development, and we're determined to stop it.

If you didn't get a chance to make a submission, don't worry - I suspect there will be plenty of opportunities for us to raise our voices together in the months ahead.

Thank you for all that you do. Please enjoy this edition of Paperbark.

Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Dear Luna,

This weekend, as our mega Community Garage Sale bursts into life, I'm both grateful and humbled by our mighty volunteers and generous supporters.

The connection we get to make with each other while at Green Drinks or Climate Cafés, doing citizen science, fundraising or finding and sorting rubbish is so important in this age of disconnection and isolation.

On a related note, this year's Reconciliation Week theme is "All In", and you're invited to reach out to someone in your life could use some inclusion in our Reconciliation journey. There are some great resources from Reconciliation Australia that could help guide some conversations.

June is always a busy month, and we're looking forward to connecting in the cooler weather at Eco Fiesta and at our upcoming Members' Event!

Thanks for helping us to step up for community, climate and nature.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

There are many courageous leaders who have helped shape NQCC's history, and we should take every chance to recognise and celebrate their stories.

Margaret Moorhouse was an inspiration to many, and her lessons will ripple through our movement and community for many years to come. Personally, I was touched by Margaret's ability to advocate fiercely and fearlessly, but always with respect, and by her deep care for her fellow activists - even those new to the movement like I was when we first met.

As we come together to get our hands dirty, walk on Country or fight for North Queensland's future, we stand on the shoulders of giants. It's a privilege to carry that work forward together.

Thank you for standing with us and for all that you do.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

I hope our first edition of Paperbark for 2026 finds you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for anything!

If you've entered the new year with a strong desire to: learn new skills, meet new people, live your values, take action in your community, or simply spend more time in nature, then we've got you sorted!

This year promises to be filled with opportunities to "think global, act local", with hands-on conservation activities, citizen science, political advocacy, fundraising, film nights, networking and more!

We look forward to having you join us this year in our strategic efforts for stronger nature protection and climate action. Thanks for standing with us!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Five years ago, an independent review of Australia's federal nature laws found that they were failing. This week, the EPBC Act has finally been overhauled, after negotiations between the Labor Government and the Greens resulted in changes that have been labelled "transformative" and "historic". There is still work to be done, but a sigh of relief right now is justified.

While history is being made in federal politics, in the Hinchinbrook Channel, history is set to repeat itself.

Long-term NQCC members might remember the courageous yet ultimately unsuccessful fight against the development of Port Hinchinbrook. Decades of environmental disturbance and decay have ensued. Now, the State Government is looking to revitalise the area and dredge up the past. That can't happen on our watch. Making a submission takes a few minutes, but could make a world of difference. 

Thank you for your support throughout this massive month! It's been exciting, and we love sharing it with you.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

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

One of the most delightful aspects of leading a community organisation is interacting with our exceptional community.

This month, Luna has brought people together through several vibrant community events and I've had the pleasure of facilitating workshops to map nature priorities for our region's renewable energy transition. Meanwhile, passionate volunteers have been hitting the streets and the phones selling tickets in our e-bike raffle fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who has helped make August so fruitful!

I suggest you have your diary close by while you browse this edition of Paperbark, because September promises to be just as action-packed, and you won't want to miss a thing!

Thanks as always for your continued support. I can't wait to see you at our AGM to celebrate our successes together!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

This month, a federal court found that the Australian Government has no legal duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change. While we share the heartbreak of this outcome, the case shone a light on the responsibility of governments to take real climate action. This was reinforced by the recent warning from the International Court of Justice that countries failing to act on climate may be in breach of international law.

On the biodiversity front, the parliamentary committee assessing a crocodile management bill put forward by Katter MP Shane Knuth has recommended its rejection, highlighting the effectiveness of awareness campaigns for public safety over the need for culling.

Thank you to everyone who made submissions to the bill, highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of North Queensland's estuarine crocs and the need for their protection - what a win!

As you'll see in this edition of Paperbark, we're fighting the good fight on all fronts, so however you show up - volunteering, donating or just a kind message of support - it all means a lot to us!

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

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.

Sunday's Climate & Energy Rally was a simple yet powerful demonstration of the wisdom, compassion and strength of this community.

It was a great reminder that, no matter where the chips fall this weekend, there will always be people ready to stand up and speak out against the injustices facing nature, climate and vulnerable communities.