BACK TO NATURE - Community heal Country

Friday, March 14, marks a vital step in addressing one of Queensland's emerging environmental challenges, with the Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium and Art Exhibition set to bring the community together to tackle the impact of pathogens on our iconic ecosystems.

The Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium, held on Jinibara Country in Maleny, will be a full-day event bringing together concerned community members, Indigenous Rangers and First Nations community, landholders, conservation professionals, researchers, university students, and representatives from government and community organisations. 

With a diverse line-up of speakers—including local, interstate, and international experts—the Symposium will explore how pathogens like Phytophthora cinnamomi are threatening the health of Bunya trees and the fragile vegetation communities of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Spencer Shaw, rainforest ecologist and co-coordinator of the program, highlighted the urgency of action during an interview with ABC journalist Jennifer Nichols.

“We can’t afford to ignore the devastating impacts that pathogens like Phytophthora are having on Bunya trees and other native species. The solutions are complex and require collaboration across all sectors. But we believe this is an opportunity to come together and make a difference.”

The program will amplify the need for collective action and emphasise that "we all have a part to play" in protecting and restoring these delicate ecosystems.

The Beyond Bunya Art Exhibition, running from March 6-19 at the Little Red Cottage (above Forest Heart ecoNursery), provides another powerful platform for engagement.

Over 20 artists from across Australia and internationally, including First Nations artists, will share their creative responses to the themes of Bunya dieback, pathogen impacts, and the fragile ecosystems of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Both the Symposium and the Art Exhibition underscore the importance of healthy soils, collaborative action, and community awareness in healing Country.

Why you should attend

This is more than a conservation issue—it’s about safeguarding the cultural, ecological, and spiritual connections we share with these landscapes. By attending, you'll have the chance to learn from experts, hear innovative solutions, and be part of a growing network committed to making a difference.

Together, we can amplify the message of conservation and ensure the health of our ecosystems for future generations.

For more information and bookings, visit: events.humanitix.com/beyond-bunya-dieback-symposium-bringing-community-together-to-heal-country.