By Lynne Hosking
A group from Armidale National Parks Association participated in a series of gatherings 25 September, organised by the Forest Advocacy Ministry. Formed by the Uniting Church and Quakers, FAM has a Forest Chaplain, Rev. Jason John and he and Rev. Mata Hiliau, the Moderator of the Uniting Church in NSW/ACT, participated in the day’s events.
On Gumbaynggirr Country we joined with Friends of Pine Creek Forest and other forest protectors for a delicious morning tea and acknowledged with gratitude the NSW Government’s announcement of the creation of the Great Koala National Park, while also recognising some forest areas essential for connectivity are still left unprotected and vulnerable to habitat destruction.
All enjoyed an informative, quiet forest walk led by John Pile, a nature-knowledgeable local. Lunch was in a lovely café, the Happy Frog in Coffs Harbour, shared with other local forest guardians including Knitting Nanas. In the afternoon we visited Little Newry forest for a gathering of healing, hope and gratitude in the forests, for those who love and defend them, organised in collaboration with the Forest Ecology Alliance.
We were welcomed by Aunty Alison Buchanan of Gumbaynggirr Nation who was born and raised nearby. Here was created a spiritually-centred circle gathering, a space that encouraged sharing where we heard stories about the forests and the dedication and challenges of those who have strived so long to protect them.
We had the opportunity to relate Armidale NPA’s efforts twenty five years ago to link New England and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks. The resultant creation of Cunnawarra National Park from parts of the Styx River State Forest protected some native fauna and flora. However current logging operations are amidst old growth and rainforest, destroying the habitat of Styx Forest species including twenty two listed as endangered and vulnerable species.
Come and visit our NPA stall at the Black Gully Festival 8 November as we will have information displays about Styx Forest and creative activities.
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