Contributed by Burnice Starkey
DESPITE the heat and the threat of rain on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the local community gathered in the heart of the Glass House Mountains to celebrate Indigenous culture and connection to Country.
With the iconic Mt Coonowrin as a backdrop, respected Kabi Kabi leader Craig Werribone reminded everyone: “Culture doesn’t have a colour, it doesn’t discriminate, it’s a way of life.” The event was a collaboration between Crookneck Retreat and Kija Our Realitree, featuring special performances by the Mayi Wunba Dancers from Kuranda in Northern Queensland and local singer-songwriter Karly Fisher.
Beyond celebration, the gathering also served as a fundraiser for Save Our Glasshouse Mountains (SOGHM), a grassroots group dedicated to protecting these unique peaks.
United by shared values and a common purpose, the community stood together to safeguard the Glass House Mountains for current and future generations. SOGHM has led a highly visible campaign, urging both the State Government and the Sunshine Coast Council to protect the National Heritage-listed mountains and their fragile ecosystem.
When Heidelberg Materials filed an appeal with the Queensland Planning and Environment Court—claiming a ‘deemed refusal’ by the Sunshine Coast Council—SOGHM stepped up as a co-respondent alongside the Council.
The legal battle has brought significant financial challenges for this grassroots group, but thanks to the generosity of supporters, donations are now being collected through the fundraising platform Chuffed.org, Save Our Glasshouse Mountains.
For more information or to support Save Our Glasshouse Mountains, visit Chuffed.org, Save Our Glasshouse Mountains.