On 25 May 2026, Tokiko (Su) Dawson will officially be hanging up her work boots. For over two decades, the FIDO volunteer and environmentalist has coordinated FIDO’s quarterly week-long weeding, bush regeneration and monitoring program operating from Talinga (the former Sinclair family home) at Eurong.

Su originally worked alongside her partner, the late John Sinclair AO, supporting his efforts in conservation and volunteering on the island, helping to organise and cater for trips. But gradually, she became more actively involved in vegetation projects collecting seeds for the island’s nursery, working with FIDO and local Councils with their ‘plant me instead’ ornamental weed replacement program and planting several display gardens around the Eurong township.

Unassuming and shy, Su has a naturally enquiring mind and has run several trials on K’gari looking at weed management and seed regeneration – applying her knowledge to increase the success of FIDO’s efforts.

If you have followed FINIA from the beginning, then you may remember that this is not Su’s first retirement. In May 2015, John and Su hosted their “last” weeding trip to Eurong as group leaders after more than a decade of leading the program. However, Su’s dedication to the task, contributing a further 11 years of participation and leadership is nothing short of extraordinary.  

On behalf of all FINIA members, we wish Sue a happy and healthy retirement and thank her for her incredible contribution to K’gari’s system health and integrity.

25+年間の献身お疲れ様でした – Thank you for over 25 years of dedication.

Article contributed by Sue Sargent, FINIA