Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium: A Powerful Gathering for Country, Culture and Collaboration
In March 2025, over 100 passionate individuals gathered in Maleny on Jinibara Country for the Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium — a landmark event bringing together Traditional Custodians, scientists, conservationists, landholders, government representatives, and community members to address the emerging threat of Bunya Dieback.
An enthusiastic team of First Nations participants and speakers with event organisers Karen & Spencer Shaw.
Left to Right: Jason Murphy (Jinibara), Uncle Colin Ross (Jinibara), Aunty Zeitha Jalamala (Jinibara), Gabrielle Quakawoot, Karen Shaw, Kaleb Murphy (Jinibara), Aunty Rhonda Sandow (Jinibara), Adrian Bauwens (Wakka Wakka), Brianna Asher (Kabi Kabi), Tom Esperanso, Mita Harris (Aotearoa), Spencer Shaw.
The symposium was born from deep concern for the iconic Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) and the ecosystems and cultures intertwined with it. Bunya trees are not only ecologically significant, they hold immense cultural importance to First Nations people across South East Queensland. Dieback caused by soil pathogens like Phytophthora is now impacting these trees and other species across the region, prompting urgent conversations around care, protection, and healing.
The day was opened with a powerful and heartfelt Welcome to Country by Aunty Zeitha Jalamala, a respected Jinibara Elder. Her words grounded the gathering in culture and history, setting the tone for an event of deep listening and learning.
A rich program of presentations followed, covering topics from pathogen awareness and soil hygiene, to cultural land management practices, research and restoration strategies, and inspiring action against Dieback from across the country and from Aotearoa. Speakers such as Justin Enslin (Queensland Parks and Wildlife), Adrian Bauwens, Spencer Shaw (Brush Turkey Enterprises), Mita Harris (Tiakina Kauri, Aotearoa/NZ) and the Mycoregen team of Pierre and Rachael shared valuable insights and hopeful pathways forward.
The program also allowed time for round table discussions, knowledge sharing and the beginning of meaningful collaboration. Key takeaways included the importance of education, establishing a regional working group, access to Green Card training in SEQ, research partnerships, and the exciting potential of using native fungi in ecosystem restoration.
The Beyond Bunya art exhibition also opened in parallel with the symposium, showcasing stunning work from local artists reflecting on the significance of the Bunya, Country, and culture. The exhibition was so well received, it has been extended through to late April to allow more people the chance to experience it.
Thank you to all who contributed to making this event such a success — our presenters, Elders, volunteers, and everyone who showed up to listen, share and take action.
The conversation doesn't end here. The work continues, and we invite all who care about our forests, our shared future, and the stories that connect us to Country, to stay involved.
For those who missed the day, a selection of recorded presentations will soon be available to view online.