As part of National Volunteer Week, Queensland Minister for the Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation, Andrew Powell joined Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster at Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park to celebrate the incredible contribution of local conservation volunteers working to protect the Gold Coast’s natural environment.

The visit highlighted the important work being carried out by Friends of Parks volunteer groups across the region, with local conservation leaders recognised for their dedication to protecting Queensland’s biodiversity and connecting communities with nature.

Friends of Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park coordinator Gary Scott and Friends of David Fleay Conservation Park coordinator Patrick Brabant were presented with certificates acknowledging their outstanding volunteer leadership and long-standing contributions to conservation.

During the visit, the Minister heard firsthand about a significant conservation achievement by the Friends of Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park group. Through training provided by the Queensland Threatened Plant Network, volunteers identified and recorded the endangered Cryptocaryia foetida in the park for the first time. The group is now actively surveying the species, demonstrating the valuable role conservation volunteers play in supporting environmental research and protecting threatened species.

The visit also celebrated the impact of the Queensland Government’s $630,000 election commitment for the Burleigh–Tallebudgera area, championed by Hermann Vorster MP. The funding has strengthened local volunteer conservation efforts through the employment of a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator with Friends of Parks Queensland and support for contractors to undertake complex environmental restoration work.

Since the introduction of the Volunteer Coordinator role one day per week, volunteer engagement in the area has grown significantly, helping more people get involved in hands-on conservation activities and community environmental stewardship in the Burleigh-Tallebudgera area. This includes the launch of Friends of David Fleay Conservation Park, which is happening in just over a weeks time on Saturday the 30th of May.

While today recognised two outstanding volunteer leaders, their efforts represent the work of dozens of Friends of Parks volunteer groups and hundreds of conservation volunteers contributing across Queensland every week.

On behalf of Friends of Parks Queensland, we extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer who gives their time, skills and passion to protecting our parks and natural places. We also acknowledge the continued support of the Queensland Government for programs that connect people to place, strengthen communities and support environmental conservation outcomes.

This National Volunteer Week, we’re encouraging everyone to make 2026 Your Year to Volunteer. Click the button below to find an event near you.