The University of the Sunshine Coast’s 2025 conference celebrated the theme Voices of K’gari: Research, Respect and Responsibility, bringing together K’gari’s Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people, leading researchers, conservationists and artists who together explored the cultural, ecological and geological stories of K’gari and the surrounding Great Sandy region. 

The 2026 conference theme followed previous events held on Butchulla Country including: 

• 2018 – K’gari–Fraser Island Research Symposium: Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Understanding 
• 2021 – K’gari Towards 2050 
• 2023 – K’gari Land and Sea Country: djaa-ngarawinj Conference 

A defining feature of all these conferences is strong community involvement. We are supported by: Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC from 2023), Fraser Island Defenders Organisation (FIDO), FINIA – the Natural Integrity Alliance for K’gari (FINIA), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), K’gari World Heritage Advisory Committee (KWHAC) and various community associations. 

Over the last seven years, much has changed. K’gari is no longer Fraser Island—her name rightfully restored thanks to the efforts of the BAC and supporters. 

The conference also provided an opportunity to remember Dr John Sinclair AO, whose legacy in advocating for World Heritage listing for K’gari and the need for a biennial K’gari conference lives on. UniSC honoured him with an Honorary Doctorate in 2017, also honouring Aunty Joy Bonner in 2024 for her work in restoring Butchulla language. 

The event was a celebration of the dedication of many, also attracting international guests including Professor Jamie Shulmeister (New Zealand), Professor Allen Gontz (USA) and Professor Peter Blaze Corcoran (USA), also an Adjunct Professor at UniSC.

The University was pleased to announce the establishment of UniSC Milbi Centre: Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation in Hervey Bay. Once operational, this facility will support vital research into the ecology and sustainability of sea turtles, rehabilitate sick and injured animals and deepen our understanding of the threats these species face. We are grateful for State Government funding and proud to collaborate with the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Turtles in Trouble Rescue, Australia Zoo, Fraser Coast Regional Council, and other key stakeholders on this important initiative.  

A newly formed K’gari Research Cluster aims to integrate research focused on K’gari’s World Heritage value, biosphere status and enduring Butchulla cultural heritage. Working together will lead to better research outcomes and better sharing of knowledge.   The cluster includes researchers from UniSC and other universities, the Butchulla Aboriginal community, citizen scientists, FINIA, FIDO, and more.

Highlights of our 2025 event included:

• Cultural Collaboration: Projects grounded in Butchulla knowledge and values, emphasising co-authorship with Country, citizen science, and respectful engagement. This was the first of the series of conferences that truly reflected Butchulla knowledge and Butchulla partnerships.
• Environmental Stewardship: Research tackling invasive species, plastic pollution, and climate change, alongside innovative conservation and restoration efforts.
• Ecological Richness: Insights into rare peat swamps, seagrass meadows, apex predators, and freshwater habitats that define the region’s biodiversity.
• Historical & Geological Perspectives: Explorations of fossil forests, dune systems, and the egalitarian legacy of early settlers.
• Scientific Innovation: Satellite tracking of sea turtles, methane studies in wetlands, and habitat restoration strategies highlight cutting-edge approaches.

Presentations from the conference will be made available shortly on a SharePoint site for sharing with conference participants.

Article contributed by Dr Kim Walker, University of the Sunshine Coast