Founded in December 2005, on 25 February 2026, FINIA members helped mark their 20th anniversary by planting a K’gari apple (Acronychia imperforata) at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s campus in Pialba. A matching tree will be planted at the K’gari Research Station in May.

The K’gari apple is a hardy, fast-growing, subtropical Australian native shrub or small tree that grows to 5–10m tall and 3–6m wide. It can be used as a screening, hedging, or feature tree and is ideal for coastal gardens as it resists salt-spray and thrives in full sun. The tree has dense, glossy green foliage, cream summer blossom, and clusters of edible, tart-sweet yellow fruits (great for jams and chutneys) that attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Present were: Sue Sargent (Chair), Mellissa Foley (Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation), David Anderson (Deputy Chair, Eurong Community and Fraser Island Associations), Zela Bissett and Peter Shooter (FIDO), Amber Perry (Fraser Coast Regional Council), Steve Settle (Happy Valley Community Association), Lesley Bradley (Lower Mary River Land and Catchment Care Group and Sandy Cape Lighthouse Conservation Association), Dr Kim Walker (University of the Sunshine Coast) and Jennifer Waithman (Wide Bay Burnett Environment Council).

FINIA extends our thanks to long-term member Peter Shooter who donated the tree and Lesley Bradley, Charlene Brown, Charmaine Foley, Happy Valley Community Association, Juliet Musgrave, and Sue Sargent who all contributed to the purchase of the tree’s botanical label (FINIA’s first crowdfunding project for itself).

Grateful thanks to Peter Weir and staff at the University of the Sunshine Coast for providing a site for the tree and its ongoing care.