What do you love about living in North Queensland? 
The reef, the hills, the rivers, the wildlife - the places that make this region home.
This April, we’re inviting you to celebrate those places in a fun, simple and meaningful way. 

Love Where You Live is a month-long community fundraiser hosted by the North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC). From March 28 (Starting with Earth Hour) - April 30, locals will take actions for nature and invite friends and family to sponsor their efforts. 

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

Around 20 locals gathered for our final Green Drinks of the year to hear from Diana Condylas of Plastic Free Townsville (Boomerang Alliance). It was an evening filled with important updates, practical ideas, and great conversation about how we can all help create a low-waste future - at home, in our workplaces, and across the community.

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

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.

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.

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!

We were thrilled to gather once again at Grill’d for our latest Green Drinks, this time featuring an inspiring talk by Jason Lange, co-founder of Atlas Soils. With 25 attendees, the evening was filled with great conversations, new connections, and a deeper dive into the power of regenerative soil practices. Plus, we welcomed six new sign-ups to our NQCC newsletter.