Beyond Bunya Dieback
protecting our precious flora
The Beyond Bunya Dieback program was founded and developed by Spencer and Karen Shaw in response to the urgent need for multi-stakeholder conversations about the impact of soil-borne pathogens on bunya trees and other significant local flora.
Recognizing the threat posed by pathogens like Phytophthora, the program has taken a proactive approach to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. So far, this has included hosting three major symposiums (2024, 2025 and 2026), bringing together scientists, land managers, Indigenous Rangers, community members, and environmental advocates to discuss current research and strategies for managing the issue.
The program has also fostered international collaboration, engaging with Kauri protection officers in Aotearoa/New Zealand and holding conversations with the Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosana Natoli and Minister for Environment, Andrew Powell. These efforts are complemented by Beyond Bunya Art exhibitions, the development of educational materials aimed at increasing community awareness and initiating research programs to collect critical data on Phytophthora within local ecosystems.
Through Beyond Bunya Dieback, Spencer and Karen Shaw continue to advocate for sustainable management and the long-term protection of these iconic and culturally significant trees.
2026 PROGRAM: Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium - Friday 27th February
Connecting people for healthy Bunya Country
The third Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium brought together an incredible gathering of people committed to caring for Bunya Country and the health of our ecosystems. Held in Maleny on Jinibara Country, the event welcomed over 130 participants — our largest Symposium yet — reflecting the growing interest in understanding and addressing the impacts of soil-borne pathogens and broader forest health challenges.
Participants travelled from across Queensland, interstate and overseas, representing a diverse range of perspectives including Traditional Custodians, Rangers, scientists, land managers, conservation practitioners, educators, community members and government representatives. The day opened with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Aunty Zeitha Jalamala Murphy , grounding the conversations in respect for Country and the cultural significance of these landscapes.
A rich program of speakers shared knowledge, research and on-ground experience relating to Phytophthora dieback, forest health, environmental biosecurity and Indigenous-led approaches to caring for Country. From decades of soil science research to practical ranger-led biosecurity work and community education initiatives, the presentations highlighted both the complexity of the challenge and the power of collaboration.
Beyond the formal presentations, the Symposium created space for meaningful conversations, new partnerships and renewed commitment to protecting the ecosystems that support Bunya and many other species. Participants repeatedly expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from each other and to be part of a growing network focused on practical action and knowledge sharing.
The Symposium forms part of the broader Beyond Bunya Dieback program, which combines science, culture, community education and the arts to raise awareness of ecosystem health. This year’s program also included the Connected to Bunya Country art exhibition, showcasing creative responses to the interconnectedness of forests, people and place.
We are deeply grateful to all the speakers, partners and participants who contributed their time, knowledge and energy to the day. The conversations continue, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we work together towards healthy soils, thriving forests and resilient Country.