GBR50 – MISSION BEACH
“Birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park”
Great Barrier Reef 50th Anniversary – Community Celebration
Weekend 21 – 22 JUNE 2025
“Known to his enemies as ‘The Bastard of Bingil Bay’, John Büsst, a Bendigo-born Melbourne bohemian artist, moved to tropical Bedarra Island in North Queensland and underwent an extraordinary transformation to become one of Australia’s most successful conservationists. In the 1960s and early 70s Büsst led campaigns to protect two of Australia’s most important and endangered environments – saving lowland rainforests from destruction and the Great Barrier Reef from reckless resource mining for oil, gas, cement and fertiliser. A plan Büsst likened to ‘bulldozing the Taj Mahal to make road gravel’. Along the way Büsst obtained the active support of five current or future Prime Ministers – Holt, Whitlam, Gorton, Hawke and Fraser”.
“A timely reminder that the passionate commitment of ordinary citizens is crucial to achieving truly transformative environmental change”.
(From the inspiring biography written by award-winning historian Iain McCalman).
MEET OUR HOSTS
Friends of Ninney Rise
Ninney Rise Open Day | Saturday 21 June 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: 405 Alexander Drive, Bingil Bay
Our weekend celebrations begin fittingly at Ninney Rise with special guest speakers, historical displays, conservation information, music, community stalls, art displays, food and refreshments. And so much more!
For more information and to register please CLICK on the LINK below.
Mission Arts
Location: Lot 1, MARCS Park, Cassowary Drive, Mission Beach
Mission Arts is hosting several events to coincide with GBR50 celebrations including:
- A new exhibition from local artists featuring reef and rainforest themes.
- Launch of “A Fever of Stingrays” featuring sculptures by fibre artists and community groups.
- Ghost Net Workshop with the acclaimed Marion Gaemers.
- Cardboard Coral Garden workshops for children and community groups.
For more information and to register for these events please CLICK on the LINK below.
C4 – Community for Coastal Cassowary Conservation
Hands – On Care for Country Day | Sunday | 22 June 2025
Location: Clump Point 9am – 12pm
In the morning join Cassowary Coast Regional Council and C4 for a community beach clean-up
Gloves, bags and equipment will be provided. Sign on at the Event.
Debris will be counted and recorded into the AMDI (Australian Marine Debris Initiative) database created by Tangaroa Blue.
Cassowary Coast Tourism
GBR50 Gala Anniversary Dinner – Saturday | 21 June 2025
Location: Mission Beach Resort | Lot 4 Wongaling Beach Road | Wongaling Beach
We invite you to join us in celebrating 50 years of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. As a community we are very proud of those who came before us, sparking our continued conservation efforts to protect the reef. Tonight we honour their legacy of environmental advocacy and enjoy time together to appreciate the beautiful place in which we live today.
Dress Code: Colours of the Reef
Cost: $50.00
Click on Link to Book Your Ticket NOW!
