Mini Congress - a brief report

 YESTERDAY we held our second ever mini Congress. Birdlife Australia is concerned with Birds, Birding, Bird Conservation and Education. We aim to reflect those interests at our local scale. And so the Congress...

Our organising committe of two - John Birbeck and myself - were more than satisfied with how the day went. We were astonished with just how good our helpers were on the day. Every job was completed without any instructions given. A huge thankyou to all who assisted with set ups and clean ups!

THANKS too, to our team of caterers who provided home made goodies for afternoon and morning teas.

Thanks too must be given to our presenters. Nikolas Haass presented no doubt a small fraction of his incredible knowledge on Pelagic birds and pelagic birding. Tim Siggs presented some astonishing footage of common local birds plus some exotic native birds from our Northern Territory and the Kimberley; footage that no doubt will increase tarvel to those locales.

Russell McGregor

, our resident Historian and birder, presented a short history of birding in Australia - a subject that triggered far too many questions than we had time to answer. Many will be looking forward to Russell's eventual book on the subject. John Birbeck, a long serving government employee for SCC, who knows perhaps more about the ecology of our local environemnt than anyone shared a few insights into the interplay between governemnt and community in regards to conservation outcomes. Judith Hoyle, convenor of Birdlfie Australia Southern Queensland, reminded us about some of the achievements of Birdlife Australia.

One of the highlights of the day was to acknowledge and recognise one of the youngest conservationists on the coast, Spencer, whose work organising petitions and public awareness regarding the conservation of our Glossy Black Cockatoos.

I am pleased to have this year's mini Congress behind me however we aim to organise one every two years so hopefully we will see a good audience in 2023!

Any feedback on this year's mini Congress and suggestions for 2023 are welcome. Please message me privately.