At Koala Crossing, active land management is working to improve the environmental health of the property, creating suitable habitat for koalas and ensuring they can move freely through the landscape. Controlling invasive species is a continuous effort. In 2023-24, we completed over 150 hectares of weed control and 61 hectares of fire management. Under QTFN management, Koala Crossing is gradually improving to reflect a more natural habitat.

Citizen science expert Greg Tasney visited Avoid Island in September 2023 and added incredibly valuable biodiversity records, contributing 481 observations of 214 species to the Avoid Island iNaturalist project. From toadstool leather corals and broad-leaved bottle trees, to rainbow bee-eaters and sand-swimmers, Greg collected a tremendous amount of biodiversity data in only two days. Photos by Jasmine Louise Photography. https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/avoid-island-biodiversity

The series of four citizen science camps at Koala Crossing recorded 72 bird species, 151 plant species, 18 mammal species, and over 131 invertebrate species. This was through 523 observations by 85 overall citizen scientists, and thanks to the help of 14 species experts. The camps found squirrel gliders, rakali and 27 new bird species records for the property.

The series of four citizen science camps at Mount Mellum recorded 59 bird species, 329 plant species, 18 mammal species, and over 260 invertebrate taxa. This was through 1427 observations by 142 overall citizen scientists, and thanks to the help of 23 species experts. The camps found 10 species not named in scientific literature yet, including a vine species. Photos taken by Jasmine Louise Photography.

In the 2023-24 financial year there were two final citizen science camps at Dangerbridge Nature Refuge: Mammal Muster and Bird Bivouac. The two camps over four days recorded 107 species, including nationally endangered greater gliders, koalas, and grey-headed flying-foxes. Bird Bivouac was all about using binoculars, books, and bioacoustic recorders to find birds. Throughout the Bird Bivouac weekend 89 bird species were recorded, including 14 species not previously recorded on the property, like the vulnerable powerful owl and white-throated needletail. The camps brought together 77 citizen scientists and 15 species experts, with over 451 hours of volunteer time to bring the events to life. Photos by Jasmine Louise Photography

Six QTFN staff joined in with hands-on efforts expanding riparian buffers around Aroona. This helps not only to control erosion and promote hydration of the landscape but also supports the quality of surrounding habitat. We planted 300 trees along a watercourse thanks to trees from the Land for Wildlife program with Ipswich City Council. These plantings will help gradually connect vegetation across Aroona’s landscapes, fostering its resilience and ecological health.

Yesterday I volunteered at the reds vs waratahs game helping to raise money for the hearts of rugby charity. In the end as a group we raised a total of $10,000

We helped move items from upstairs down to the store rooms after the floods! Was good to help out :)

We helped the Western Districts Netball Club recover after the cyclone by moving and restocking supplies.

On wednesday I attended the STI and Contraception workshop in the Chapel, it was informative and I learnt lots!

On Saturday I wa some of the 50/50 volunteers at the Reds vs Waratahs rugby game raising money for Hearts in rugby! Eliza and I made $460 for Hearts in Rugby!

At the recent Reds game, I had the opportunity to contribute to a charitable initiative focused on promoting awareness of those injured through rugby. By volunteering my time, I helped raise money for the charity. In reflection it was a great experience.