A Message From The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is arguably Australia’s most famous natural wonder. This Unesco World Heritage listed ecosystem spans 2,300 kilometers of the Northeastern coast of Australia and is the largest coral reef system in the world. Home to over 1,600 species of fish, 6 of the 7 species of marine turtles, 450 variety of hard corals, 1,000 species of soft corals, 30 species of whales and dolphins, a thriving population of dugongs, and 133 species of sharks and rays, it is one of the most biodiverse and complex ecosystems in the world.
Drawing approximately 2.9 million tourists every year this ecological jewel is also a significant source of income for Australia’s tourism industry.
In late last year I was invited to take part in an incredible citizen science initiative to survey the health of the Great Barrier Reef. We were to be the first major survey post the last bleaching event in March of 2024, so none of us knew what we were going to find.
Protecting Australia's Giants
There is something sublime and almost otherworldly about standing amongst a grove of moss laden giants, soaring towards the sky. These Eucalyptus Regnans know nothing of Australia’s tall poppy syndrome. They reach for the skies with all their splendour and might, standing tall and strong, offering shelter and nourishment to all who seek it…
Interview with David Witherdin | Executive Director of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation
In late October of 2022, a financial commitment from both state and Commonwealth led to the confirmation of an 800 million dollar recovery package for the Northern Rivers—this package appeared to be primarily aimed at assisting those most vulnerably poised on the flood plain and promised buy-backs, retro-fits, and house raises for those who were eligible.
The Disaster After The Disaster
For those in Lismore, flood insurance isn’t a thing. They aren’t even eligible for it because they live in a flood zone. And they live in a flood zone because it is more affordable than non-flood zones in this region, a region that was in a crippling housing crisis before the floods even came. Without any other viable options provided to them, many have no choice but to rebuild their lives where they lost them. And yet here we are less than a month later, with the rains pounded down yet again, and Lismore being evacuated.
Wake Up and Smell The Fire, Australia
We scanned the desolate landscape for signs of life. But all we could see was black, and then more black—blackened rolling hills and charred trees surrounded us from every direction. Once a lush and thriving forest, this place was now unrecognizable.
Meeting Lucy
The world’s collective adoration for koalas can and should be seen as a viable path to protecting all creatures that share their forest habitats. Koalas have had an effect on humanity. They’ve done something to us, to our hearts. And this is currency, currency to help save the forest. Because, if we save the forests for koalas, we save the forests for all the other animals too. So, you see, the koalas are actually fighting for the protection of the brush-tail possums, the flying foxes, the wombats and wallabies, the swamp rats and even the tree frogs.
The Two Thumbs Wildlife Trust + The Plight of the Koala
The story of James Fitzgerald and the Two Thumbs Wildlife Trust
Strange New World
Bondi beach has been officially shut down with striped red tape and ramshackle fences blocking off its entrances. Bondi’s usually bustling streets of bars, cafes, and restaurants are mostly closed, with signs on their doors wishing people well and saying they will be back as soon as they can.
There is a palpable and inescapable sadness in the air these days…lost jobs, lost loved ones, an unknown future, and a bubbling global existential dread that most have never felt so profoundly.
Margot and Richard Bruinsma of the Nerrigundah Fires
Margot and Richard Bruinsma have been living on this land for over 40 years. Margot farms, landscapes, jars fruits, makes herbal remedies from wild-crafted flowers for herself and her neighbors, she even makes her own whiskey. She told me with a smile on her face that she gave birth to her second child, Danny, just up the hill with no one around but her husband Richard, and their 2 year old daughter at the time. It took three days, a couple broken ribs, and every ounce of strength she had, but she pushed Danny right on out on her own. If the animals do it without doctors there – why couldn’t she?
Wombat Bill
Bill, fondly called Wombat Bill, by those who know and love him, has been running a wombat refuge with his partner Lesley for almost two decades. In addition to rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned wombats he volunteers for a variety of the major wildlife rescue groups and helps rescue any animal that may need his aid. A spirit of kindness and generosity quietly permeate all that he and Lesley do at their refuge in Major’s Creek.