Last Sunday I had the pleasure of catching up with some of our volunteers based in southeast Queensland, plus fellow Bush Heritage staff Katrina Blake, Murray Haseler and Michelle Stook who were also in Brisbane for meetings.
We met on site at Currumbin Valley Reserve to see the work done by volunteers and to talk about projects for the coming year.
The gathering included a lyrical welcome to country by local countryman, Luther Cora, whose soulful voice reverberated down the valley and beckoned to property neighbour, Alex Roby, who just happened to be visiting his block next door.
Alex appeared in our midst to enjoy the ceremony and the chat that followed.
As a touching gesture, volunteer team leader, Heike, had brought along a young endemic fig tree to plant in the space left by recent weed control work.
“Merry Christmas Currumbin!” she announced as she and her partner Charlie found a good spot for the fig. More revegetation at this site will follow in the New Year.
It was all very low-key but a wonderful way to celebrate volunteer achievements in the northern region and to reflect on a busy and exciting year.
Luther Cora sings a welcome to country. 
Merry Christmas Currumbin from Heike and Charlie. 
Nicky Rolls just can't walk past those weeds! 
Left to right: Heike Eberhard, Katrina Blake (Visitation Coordinator), Charlie Bell, Murray Haseler (Qld Ecologist), Nicky Rolls, Venda Rolls, Michelle Stook (Volunteer Coordinator), Paul Green and Joanna Reid.