On 5 June, Queenslanders celebrated the second annual Queensland Environment Day (QED), an initiative designed to inspire environmental action and to increase support for the organisations working to protect the state’s natural environment.

And it’s so worthy of celebration! Queensland spans five major terrestrial climatic zones and features four UNESCO World Heritage natural sites – the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics, the Gondwana Rainforests and K’gari (Fraser Island). The state hosts the most diverse and unique ecosystems in Australia and is home to twice as many native wildlife species as any other state.

On the eve of Queensland Environment Day (5 June) conservationists, philanthropists and community members gathered in Meanjin on the unceded lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera at the Queensland Museum Kurilpa for an evening of conversation and connection, For the Love of Queensland, proudly sponsored by Australian Ethical. 

In introducing Queensland Environment Day to the crowd, AEGN member James Goodman (Goodman Foundation) explained that the day grew from an informal group of Queensland environmental leaders, not-for-profits and philanthropic organisations that first came together in early 2024. The group explored ideas to strengthen Queensland’s environmental sector and increase public engagement – and Queensland Environment Day was hatched! 

From the beginning, the day was built around two goals: 

1. encouraging more Queenslanders to connect with and take action for the environment; and 
2. increasing philanthropic support for environmental organisations across the state.

A major milestone this year was the launch of the Queensland Environment Day website, featuring a searchable map of environmental organisations across the state. The platform helps people discover local organisations, events, activities and pathways for giving.

In his reflections, James thanked those working across Queensland’s environment sector and noted ‘real change only happens when the community is on side’.

James also acknowledged the Queensland Environment Day committee for its leadership in bringing the initiative to life and creating a platform that will continue to grow in the years ahead. The Queensland Environment Fund also invites donations to provide micro grants and to support the movement through future events.

Before cocktails and canapes, Rebecca Levingston (ABC Brisbane) led an informative and entertaining conversation with conservation leaders Hugh Possingham (University of Queensland, Biodiversity Council, Birdlife Australia) and Liz O’Brien (Queensland Trust for Nature) on Queensland’s extraordinary natural environment, challenges and opportunities.

Queensland Environment Day demonstrates the power of collaboration – the AEGN acknowledges the great vison and leadership of the Goodmans and applauds James, John and Meta!