BACK TO NATURE - Collaboration for the Bunya

Friday February 27 marks a significant moment for environmental collaboration on the Sunshine Coast, with the third Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium and accompanying art exhibition, bringing the community together to address the growing impacts of soil-borne pathogens on iconic ecosystems.

Held on Jinibara Country in Maleny, the full-day symposium will bring together Indigenous Rangers and First Nations community members, conservation professionals, landholders, researchers, university students, and representatives from government and community organisations. 

With speakers from local, interstate and international contexts, the program explores dieback as a challenge affecting multiple species and interconnected ecosystems, including the fragile vegetation communities of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Spencer Shaw, rainforest ecologist and co-coordinator of the program, reflects on the purpose of the gathering:

“Dieback reminds us that ecosystems function as living systems — what affects soil, water and movement affects everything. This Symposium is about sharing responsibility, learning from one another, and strengthening our collective capacity to care for Country.”

This perspective builds on conversations shared at last year’s symposium, with the sense of urgency and opportunity continuing into 2026.

The program highlights the importance of healthy soils, informed land management, cultural knowledge and collaborative action, reinforcing the message that we all have a role to play in protecting ecosystem wellbeing.

Running alongside the symposium, the Connected to Bunya Country Art Exhibition (February 19 – March 14) will be hosted at The Little Red Cottage, an art and ecology space above Forest Heart ecoNursery in Maleny. 

Featuring over 20 artists from across Australia and internationally — including First Nations artists — the exhibition offers a powerful creative lens on ecosystem health, dieback, and our relationship with Country.

Together, the symposium and exhibition create opportunities to learn, connect and take action, fostering shared responsibility for the landscapes that sustain us.

Join us this February — during Bunya season — to be part of a growing movement focused on healthy Country, strong connections and collective care for the future.

For more information and bookings, visit: events.humanitix.com/beyond-bunya-dieback-symposium-connecting-people-for-country