A 4-year Progress Report had been prepared and was officially presented to Councillors Ross Cardillo and Amy Braes with Mitchell River Chair Fiona Barron congratulating the Friends on their staunch perseverance in the face of significant challenges.

Friends of Abattoir Swamp, or the “Swampies”, are the volunteer management committee looking after the much-loved environmental park called Abattoir Swamp. 

Our 35th AGM will be held online on Saturday, 29 Nov at 10:00.

Chair's Report, Financials, and a statement from the Treasurer will be presented.

The meeting is open to the public via Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/peq-orkr-yqa
Or dial: ‪(AU) +61 3 8594 6152‬ PIN: ‪568 892 328‬#

Link to==> Proxy Form and Committee Nominations

Please respond by 27/11/2025

This year the Mitchell River Forum featured a line up of local leaders offering research reports, project updates, and briefings relevant to sustainable management in the catchment. Biosecurity was a central focus, particularly in light of the projected impacts of Bird Flu. Water was again a theme, with particular focus on the review of the Mitchell River Water Plan.

The meeting convened at 09.30 at the Geraghty Park Hall in Julatten, on Saturday 11 October. The speakers program concluded at 12.30 followed by a networking lunch.

Delicious Barramundi Gardens spring rolls were served along with a classic BBQ provided by the Julatten Mens Shed. Special thanks to Mareeba-Dumbulah Bendigo Community Bank for their generous support.

Mitchell River Forum was an opportunity to highlight changes and challenges across the catchment

What can growers expect from long-term changes to regional rainfall? Can renewable energy projects cause more environmental harm than good? How much will the water cost from the proposed Lakeland Irrigation Scheme? And...are you ready to start running your farm machinery on pyrolised banana bags?

We held our 33rd annual general meeting at the Mt Carbine Rodeo Grounds on 27 October, followed by a Mitchell River Forum featuring landholders around the region.

Vale Viv Sinnamon.

Fiona Barron joins as Chair, Karen Pedersen as Treasurer, and Trevor Meldrum as a regular Director. Deep gratitude was expressed for the outgoing Allan Holmes, Ian Adcock, and Cheryl Emmerson who have been instrumental in keeping the organisation functioning for nearly a decade.

Water Security Forum draws keen interest from irrigators, energy users, researchers, and conservationists. Check out a brief report and download presentations from the meeting.

We've taken a deep dive into the story of Abattoir Swamp this edition, bringing you up to speed on the history, vision, and current happenings related to this important bit of remnant habitat high in the catchment, on the Hunter Creek and Rifle Creek drainages.

You'll also find the latest research on Tilapia, progress with Frogbit, announcement of our Water Security Forum on 26 May in Dimbulah, and plenty of other bits from around the catchment.

Download and Catch-UP!