On a sunny but windy Saturday afternoon, we joined other local organisations, businesses, and council initiatives at Strand Park for the second Healthy Waters Arvo - a community event celebrating efforts to protect and restore water health across our region.

NQCC's focus this time was on “reef emotions.” With recent news about the Great Barrier Reef bringing both warnings and hope - from alarming bleaching events to the discovery of cooler, more resilient patches - we invited people to pause and reflect.

Visitors added their messages of worry, hope, and action to a reef made of white and colourful wool. Together we created a tapestry of care with phrases like:
🧶 Keep our reef clean!
🧶 Stop plastic pollution now!
🧶 Will the reef be resilient enough?
🧶 I want marine life to thrive.
🧶 Stop fossil fuel exports!

For the kids, there was face painting too - we painted little sharks and colourful reef scenes on cheeks, while other stalls offered interactive activities. The Healthy Waters Partnership also encouraged attendees to reflect on the question: What do you think is the biggest threat to our reef?

It was a great chance to reconnect with our partners and meet new community members. Huge thanks to our wonderful volunteers who decorated the stall beautifully and braved the gusty conditions with a smile.

What can you do for the Reef?
💙 Support NQCC to help us keep the pressure on for stronger climate action
💧 Be mindful of what goes down your drain
🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen
🧹 Volunteer for local cleanups

Every action counts - for healthy waters and a thriving Reef.

Check out the new report card of the Healthy Waters Partnership here!

Learn how our waterways are doing!