Qld Landcare Conference

Tonight the 2008 Queensland Landcare Conference kicked off with one wonderful welcome after another. MC Peter Oliver opened by singing the first line of the Roy Orbison classic “Working for the Man” repeatedly.

MC Peter "Big O" Oliver

…How now you better listen to me everyone of you… now say huhhhh
…How now you better listen to me everyone of you…

Once Peter had everyone attention he rattled off in rapid fire a number of factors that had already impressed him at the Conference. With Peter on as MC, we are in safe hands.

Phyllis Lea, Wulli Wulli elder gave a Welcome to Country, that stood the hairs on the back of necks on their ends.

If the land dies, we die.

It was a powerful, punchy and precise welcome that left people feeling proud and energized but respectful and humble.

Mayoress Joy Jensen

Mayoress of North Burnett Regional Council, Joy Jensen was emphatic not only in her welcome to delegates, but her passionate promotion of the North Burnett. Her rousing speech made everyone feel very privileged to be guests in a special part of Australia.

The Monto Pottery Group lead by artists Melissa Dowling and Katherine Bodrog have created a sculpture to commemorate the Queensland Landcare Conference being held in Monto. The sculpture named “Infinite Beginnings” will remain a permanent fixture at the Monto Show Pavilion, to remind residents and visitors that a State Landcare Conference was hosted here. Melissa’s artist statement was generous in praise for all co-creators and spoke about creativity and collaboration around the theme of infinity.

Rachel Koster, Indy Singer Songwriter

The sculpture was official opened by Mayoress Joy Jensen, before local independent artist Rachel Koster and band treated the crowd to a fantastic performance of sultry Jazz to contemporary Soul. The songstress also performed a number of singles from her recently released album “Deciduous”. A standout was the virtuoso riffing by teenage guitar man Kyall Burns.

Eumundi chef Peter Wohlfe and team were ably assisted by a band of volunteers in providing everyone with some delicious bush food delights. The Crocodile Spring Rolls and Bunya Nut Falafels were highly sougt after.

While we are all having a good time at the conference, Environmental Educator and all round good guy Dave Riddell and Mat Fitzgerald from the University of New Brunswick, Canada have been toiling away on a constructed wetland at the Devon Middle School in Fredricton, New Brunswick. Sorry you can’t be here boys, however you can follow their progress at Dave’s blog