By the Goodman Foundation

Over three days on Quandamooka Country, delegates were welcomed by QYAC, walked the Gorge at sunrise with Ayla & Cameron Costello, swam at Cylinder Beach, watched whales pass close by the boat, and heard directly from the researchers and advocates shaping the future of Moreton Bay. What began as a logistical undertaking became, by every account gathered since, something considerably more moving than any of us had planned for.

Minjerribah Trip at a glance

The trip opened on Friday morning with an Acknowledgement of Country from Dianne Aylward aboard Inspiration, the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre (MBEEC)’s floating classroom and a hands-on citizen science session. Followed by a showcase from The Moreton Bay Foundation (TMBF) who provided our delegates with an understanding of their work being the “connective tissue” of stakeholders in Moreton Bay and how they engage with the community around the bay. TMBF provided our delegates with handcrafted passports which encouraged them to look at the extraordinary environment around them over the weekend.

Once ashore QYAC provided a Welcome to Country and cultural presentation, before the group settled in for dinner and conversation at Six Beaches.

Saturday began before dawn with a sunrise Gorge Walk (Goori) led by Ayla Costello, her father Cameron joining the group, providing Quandamooka storytelling with a sunrise backdrop.

Continuing the journey

The day continued with a swim at Cylinder Beach where delegates were encouraged to take 3 for the sea. A tour of QUAMPI Arts and Culture Centre, and a VIP experience at the Quadamooka Festival.

Sunday brought an incredible whale watching and First Nations song experience with QYAC, close enough to nearly clear the boat. Followed by a tour of UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station and an understanding of their Healthy Moreton Bay Initiative. BirdLife Australia’s account of how Toondah Harbour was won, and a final showcase from The Moreton Bay Foundation before the group made its way back to the mainland.

What made the trip distinctive was the way these elements were woven together: the natural environment, science, Traditional Owner community and family, and hands-on experience of the Bay itself, delivered by the people doing the work rather than reading about it secondhand.

Despite the ambition of the itinerary, delegates and partners alike described the weekend as seamless and warm, and, as more than one person put it, considerably more moving than they had expected. That combination of substance and feeling is, we think, exactly what makes a field trip worth doing.

Delegates were provided with a funding prospectus, which AEGN members are welcome to access >>