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Category Archives: Knowledge Sharing
QR Codes on K’gari
FIDO recently decided to test the application of QR codes. (QR stands for Quick Response rather than ‘Queensland Rail’). We recently updated the Eurong sign shelter and instead of loading up a lot of blurb that people who want to make the most of their time on K’gari are loathe to stop and read, we tried using QR codes to sell ourselves and our message. (more…)
Helping to Build the GSS Research Fund
As part of its fundraising efforts to build the Research Fund, FIDO is offering a series of Cruises in the Strait to enable people to have a personal experience of Great Sandy Strait. (more…)
The Excitement of New Discoveries
Ever since FIDO’s Beach to Birrabeen BioBlitz, I have been ever alert to discover anything ‘new’ or ‘different’ on K’gari. I was always interested, but my interest has been lifted to a new level. Thus it was that when driving into Eurong’s Residential Valley, I spied in my peripheral vision a Caeasalpinia bonduc. It was in a site driven and walked past hundreds of times each week. Peter Shooter had previously discovered one very large rambling specimen the Happy Valley dump. This was the first specimen I had seen in Eurong. It was so much smaller but unmistakable even from a passing vehicle. I was so excited that I rushed to get my co-workers to show them this new observation. (more…)
Time, Tide and Tourism Conference
Never underestimate the power of sharing knowledge – especially when it comes to a World Heritage property.
One hundred people attended the 7th Biennial (Time, Tide and Tourism) Conference at the University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs in August. Like the previous six conferences there was much informal interaction between the attendees, all of whom have a strong interest in K’gari. While some of the issues discussed such as managing K’gari’s invasive species are perennial topics, it was helpful for the audience to gain an insight into the progress being made and the on-going effort required. (more…)
NAIDOC Celebrated K’Gari Style
Eurong (place of rain) was the gathering place for recent NAIDOC celebrations hosted by QPWS Butchulla rangers who proudly organised an informative session and displayed an array of traditional hunting tools, beautifully painted implements, artefacts and local bush tucker for participants to enjoy. (more…)
Fraser Island Repository
The Fraser Island Repository is a project of the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). The collection will, for the first time, gather in one place dispersed material relating to Fraser Island, particularly that held in government departments.
We’re going to be archived!
In March 2017, FINIA was contacted by the State Library of Queensland for permission to archive the FINIA Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance website https://finia.org.au/
The State Library of Queensland aims to build a comprehensive collection of Queensland publications to ensure the availability of our documentary heritage both now and in the future. The State Library’s commitment to preserving the documentary heritage of our state extends to contemporary electronic resources, including online publications and websites of lasting significance. This is achieved through participation in PANDORA, Australia’s web archive. (more…)
Postans’ Logging Camp Revisited
A visit to Postans’ Logging Camp by the Fraser Island World Heritage Advisory Committees in early March was a glimpse for many into the logging heritage of Fraser Island (K’gari). John Sinclair relates his memories of Postans in the 1950’s.
My first real opportunity to explore Fraser Island came to me in January 1958. This was my first time to visit Postans Camp. I was helping to trans-ship a load of recycled timber for Maryborough builder Len McConnell (aka Rockem) to the Poyungan Valley on the “Back Beach.” Rockem had chartered Andrew Postans to take the timber from Urangan to and across the island to his house under construction. Rockem needed labour and I needed a break from service station work prior to returning to Gatton College.
Working with the Mob
Participants of the Working with the Mob training program held in June 2016
Over two days in June, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff and representatives of the Butchulla Traditional Owners, came together on K’gari to participate in the training program Working with the Mob.
The QPWS Partnerships Team developed the Working with the Mob training program to support its commitment to enhancing cultural competency within the agency. The time together was a great opportunity for QPWS employees to engage with the Butchulla people through an appreciation of history, tradition, culture and respect.
The training offered opportunities to break into informal groups led by Butchulla representatives. These sessions provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about the local Traditional Owners’ protocols, beliefs and values. Other training sessions included topics such as native title, indigenous cultural heritage and developing good working relationships.
Ross Belcher, Principal Ranger, Fraser Coast Area, QPWS shared some of his reflections after the training program:
“It was a pleasure to take part in this initiative on K’gari, which has made a major contribution to maintaining and building on the relationship between the Butchulla Traditional Owners and QPWS. My impression is that the Butchulla people have a strong desire to engage with the current land managers (QPWS staff) to pass on traditional values, stories and aspirations and to build a strong and respectful working relationship. The QPWS staff demonstrate a strong desire to understand the Butchulla story and to positively engage with and contribute to our cooperative relationship. We certainly have people with feet in both camps, Butchulla and other indigenous people employed by QPWS are making an outstanding contribution to K’gari, hopefully we can build the numbers up in good time. Good progress has been made in our collaboration in the management of K’gari, and I hope that in future the Butchulla people will be taking the lead in developing and coordinating more opportunities for sharing of stories and aspirations, and we will be working as one mob protecting the natural and cultural values of K’gari and surrounding Butchulla land and sea. Looking forward to the next meeting ”
Contributed by Moyra McRae, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Maryborough
Fraser Island to be BioBlitzed by Scientists
Led by FIDO, a huge Fraser Island (K’Gari) BioBlitz from 28 November to 4 December will bring together experts from many areas of biology to carry out a stocktake of the natural resources of the World Heritage island.
Based at the Dilli Village Fraser Island Research and Learning Centre, the BioBlitz is being well supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and FINIA.
The study area extends from the ocean beach to Lake Birrabeen, covering all six dune systems and encompassing most ecosystem types from heathlands, tall forests, swamps, fens and perched dune lakes except for the estuarine environments. It is hoped to achieve more by maintaining a tight and intense focus on this particular study area rather than an island wide hunt.
The study area is very accessible with a number of tracks through it that will allow scientists to easily access representative places of interest.
FINIA 