3 November 2025
Wildlife Queensland held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 4 October 2025, at the Redlands Coast Museum, proudly hosted by the Bayside Branch. Members, supporters and staff gathered to celebrate a year of growth and achievement, reflecting on the organisation’s expanding impact across Queensland.
The meeting echoed the optimism and progress showcased in Wildlife Queensland’s 2024–25 Annual Report, a year marked by collaboration, community participation and measurable conservation outcomes. Wildlife Queensland delivered 14 active projects, increased project revenue by 71% and engaged more Queenslanders than ever before through citizen science, advocacy and events. With record appeal engagement and new partnerships across councils, universities and community groups, the organisation strengthened its voice for wildlife and laid the groundwork for future growth.
Sharing success across Queensland
The day began with reports from Wildlife Queensland branches across the state, sharing updates on their local projects and community efforts. From koala and glider monitoring in Redland City to shorebird advocacy on the Sunshine Coast and restoration work in the Scenic Rim, the reports highlighted how volunteers and local members are driving conservation outcomes that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Connecting people with nature
Board member Dr Wade Hadwen then gave an engaging presentation on a BioBlitz he led at Griffith University’s Toohey Forest. The event brought together students, staff and community members to record local flora and fauna, adding more than 4,000 observations from 82 participants to iNaturalist, identifying 516 species.
Dr Hadwen’s talk demonstrated how citizen science connects people with nature and guides conservation decisions. His message reflected Wildlife Queensland’s own commitment to community science through projects such as EchidnaWatch, PlatypusWatch, and the statewide Discover and Protect initiative.
Leadership and renewal
Professor Marc Hockings, President of Wildlife Queensland, chaired the AGM and guided members through the formal proceedings, including board nominations and elections. He welcomed Ray Ison and Associate Professor Michelle Reidlinger to the Board and acknowledged CEO Dr John Tracey, whose first year in the role delivered significant progress in advocacy, partnerships and community engagement.
Professor Hockings also thanked outgoing board and staff members for their valued service and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to evidence-based action, community collaboration and strategic growth.
Honouring dedication and impact
A highlight of the day was the presentation of Wildlife Queensland’s annual awards, which celebrate exceptional service and commitment to conservation.
- Helen Horne Award Medal – Des Boyland, for his significant and long-term contributions to environmental conservation and to Wildlife Queensland.
- Margaret Thorsborne Award 2025 – Janelle Devery, for her outstanding service to Wildlife Queensland, conservation, and the wider community.
- Community Engagement and Education Award 2025 – EchidnaWatch, for broadening its reach, initiating a long-term monitoring program, raising community awareness and inspiring citizen scientists across the state.
- Honorary Memberships – Peter Ogilvie, Des Boyland and Janelle Devery, in recognition of their dedication and enduring impact on Queensland’s wildlife conservation community.
Reflecting on a year of growth
Dr John Tracey presented the Annual Report 2024–25, highlighting a transformative year for the organisation. Wildlife Queensland expanded its Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Project across 15,000 hectares of key habitat, scaled up platypus eDNA monitoring through a $1.2 million Resilient Rivers partnership, and recorded 800 people directly engaged through 120 community events.
Digital engagement also reached new heights, with 605,000 people reached on Facebook, a 47% increase on Instagram, and 41% e-bulletin open rates, well above industry averages. Financially, Wildlife Queensland achieved an operating surplus exceeding $1.1 million, supported by strong appeals, major bequests and a growing Wildlife Protector Program.
Dr Tracey thanked the organisation’s staff, members, donors, branches and volunteers for their collective commitment to protecting Queensland’s wildlife and wild places.
A fitting end to a memorable day
The AGM concluded with a guided tour of the Redlands Coast Museum, where attendees explored artefacts and stories that revealed the region’s rich environmental and cultural heritage.
It was a fitting end to a day that celebrated commitment, collaboration and community – values at the heart of Wildlife Queensland’s mission to protect the native wildlife and wild places that define our state.
What you can do
- Become a member of Wildlife Queensland and join your local branch.
- Email us at [email protected] if you’d like to set up your own Bioblitz with Dr Wade Hadwen’s help.
- Check out Wildlife Queensland’s Discover and Protect iNaturalist project, supporting the recovery of Queensland’s threatened species.
- Subscribe to our eBulletin Talking Wildlife to learn more about your local wildlife, plus Wildlife Queensland’s latest news and offers.