Photos: Growing success for re-established local wildlife program

At a wildlife event in Toowoomba, 40 casuarina trees were planted to assist a threatened species of cockatoos. See photos of the day here.

LAND FOR WILDLIFE: Participating in the Welcome to Country is Clara Weekes and daughter Eden Weekes (centre) with Shannon Bauwens (left) and David Weekes.

Toowoomba has welcomed the return of the Land For Wildlife program with open arms after its launch event was a big success.

BIG TURN OUT: Attending the Land For Wildlife program launch in Toowoomba (from left) is Councillor Tim McMahon, Adam Purse, Michelle Purse, Shannon Bauwens, Margie Young (front left) and Liz Gould (front right).

Secretary treasurer for the Toowoomba-based program Margie Young said more than 40 people attended the event last weekend.

“(It) was a great opportunity for sharing knowledge, networking and reflecting,” Ms Young said.

“The Gummingurru Aboriginal site is a special place of national significance … the Toowoomba region is fortunate to include the site which is cared for by such diligent Indigenous custodians.”

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE: Preparing for the Welcome to Country in the yarning circle is Shannon Bauwens.

Ms Young said members are looking forward to seeing the program relaunched in the region and partnering with the Gummingurru Aboriginal Corporations to deliver more community engagement initiatives in the future.

DOING THEIR BIT: Planting casuarina trees is Deb Ford (left) from Crows Nest Nursery, Clancy Angow and Ian Angow.

On the day 40 casuarina trees were planted to assist the threatened species of Glossy Black Cockatoos who lost a large portion of their feeding stock during the bushfires and drought.

GROWING PROGRAM: Assisting with the planting of the casuarina trees is Clancy Angow.

Planting sites included Lakes Cressbrook and Perseverance, Perseverance Reserve, Dingo Mountain and Gummingurru.

PROGRAM RELAUNCH: Presenting in the Bunda Centre is Shannon Bauwens.

Guest speakers councillor Tim McMahon and Glossy Black Conservancy representative Liz Gould attended the event to announce the relaunch of the local Land For Wildlife program and thank attendees for their assistance.