CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
For more than two decades NQ Dry Tropics has contributed to regional community life , including organising social and educational events to bring people together , using local contractors and services , and sponsoring local initiatives .
Wongaloo Wetlands Open Day
Nearly 400 North Queenslanders had a unique opportunity to learn about the spectacular Wongaloo Wetlands , which have been described as the east coast ’ s answer to Kakadu National Park .
Located on a former cattle property at the foot of Mt Elliot and not usually accessible to the public , Wongaloo Conservation Park is a haven for wildlife , particularly waterfowl and woodland birds .
The open day , organised by NQ Dry Tropics and hosted by the Wetlands and Grasslands Foundation ( Trustee of Wongaloo Conservation Park ), aimed to raise public awareness of this natural wonder , close to the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ayr .
Following a Welcome to Country by Bindal Traditional Owner Eddie Smallwood , attendees were offered a choice of learning experiences at a series of locations
Enjoying the day were Tag and Melissa Hopkins from Townsville , with children Tatum ( left ) and Marlo .
across the site , with buses on hand to transport them . Activities included bird watching with staff from BirdLife Townsville , a rainforest walk guided by members of Native Plants Queensland , and an NQ Dry Tropics presentation on the importance of maintaining healthy wetlands .
The event was supported through the Restoration Of The Ramsar Wetlands Of Bowling Green Bay project , funded through the Australian Government ’ s Environment Restoration Fund .
Reconnecting with Country
A group of Manbarra Traditional Owners had a chance to reconnect with family and Country during a trip to Palm Island , organised by NQ Dry Tropics .
We congratulate Manbarra Elders on the successful establishment of the MinggaMingga Ranger program , funded by the Queensland Government , and look forward to working with them in partnership .
Manbarra are the traditional custodians of Palm Island , and it was the first time some of the group had visited spectacular Dthoorakool ( North-East Bay ), where they were greeted by Bwgcolman school students and teachers .
It was an opportunity for younger generations to experience a smoking ceremony , learn from Elders and have a yarn about the importance of caring for Country .
The group also undertook a beach clean up , and assessed the condition of a strip of beach scrub growing between the sand and the hilly forest behind it . The site is earmarked for conservation work as part of the Protecting Beach Scrub Communities project , funded by the Australian Government ’ s National Landcare Program .
Pictured on Palm Island are Manbarra Traditional Owners Richard Cassady ( left ) and Uncle Mark Devow .
PAGE 48 2021-2022 – NQ DRY TROPICS YEAR IN REVIEW