National Volunteer Week, held annually in May across Australia, offers a fantastic opportunity to recognise the contributions of organisations and individuals who support the community.
Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre (EEC) has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the Port of Brisbane for many years. From our "Birds and Beaches, Dogs and Leashes" program to "Water in Our World" and the senior "Port of Brisbane Studies: Land Cover Transformations" program, the Port of Brisbane team has always been extremely generous with their support and time.
On Monday, 20 May, the Port of Brisbane staff rolled up their sleeves to build and fill oyster baskets to support OzFish's Shellfish Restoration Program. Shellfish reefs are a crucial part of our marine ecosystem, offering benefits to both humans and marine life. The Shellfish Revolution, Australia's largest community-driven shellfish restoration project, aims to restore oyster reefs across the country through community partnership and ownership.
Later that day, we were delighted to assist the Port of Brisbane volunteer staff at Fort Lytton. There, they participated in a historical tour led by Daley Donnelly from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services. The volunteers then joined us on the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay to view the oyster reef locations and engage in plankton trawling. Observing, investigating, and identifying the variety of plankton in the haul was an enriching experience, and the volunteers diligently looked for evidence of microplastics as part of their citizen science journey.
The Moreton Bay EEC team extends heartfelt thanks to the Port of Brisbane for their unwavering support, generous volunteering, and commitment to our community.