Annual General Meeting Minutes
Date: 28th September 2025
Time: 11:30 am (scheduled)
Venue: C4 Environment Centre, Mission Beach, Djiru Country
1. Welcome
The meeting was opened by current President Peter Rowles at 11:45 am. Attendees were welcomed and members and volunteers were thanked for their contributions throughout the year.
An Acknowledgement of Country was given, recognising that the meeting was held on Djiru Country, and paying respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
2. Attendance and Apologies
Attendees: Peter Rowles (President), Helen Larson (Vice President), Kate Blank (Secretary), Jeff Larson (Management Committee), Leonard Andy (Management Committee), Joh Rowles, Whitney Rassip, Cherie Mooner, Stephanie Masina, Bob Jones, Meryl Harding, Derek Blank, Tony O’Malley, Thomas Bauer, Kath Vail
Apologies: Ben Oldroyd, Madeleine Beekman, Peter (Management Committee) & Laurie Trott, Fiona O’Kane (Treasurer; Management Committee)
3. Minutes of Previous AGM
The minutes of the previous AGM are accepted.
- Moved by: Jeff Larson
- Seconded by: Helen Larson
- Outcome: Accepted unanimously.
4. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer’s report was presented by Peter Rowles, including the audited financial reports: balance sheet and profit & loss statements.
Key points:
- Bank assets and ongoing discussion about H.R. fees were noted, where one outstanding legal fee is currently unpaid.
- A query was raised regarding the status of Lot 66. It was clarified that QTFN owns Lot 66 and if sold, some funds may be returned to C4 or we can buy it back at a reduced cost.
- Moved by: Peter Rowles
- Seconded by: Meryl Harding
- Outcome: Treasurer’s Report carried
5. President’s Report
President Peter Rowles presented a summary of activities and achievements over the past year:
- Garners Beach Rehabilitation Facility: Ongoing work throughout the year, in particular the successful release of Arthur and Martha. ABC Backroads filming on site in June will be aired some time in the early new year.
- Cassowary Sightings: Expanded collaboration and public engagement through online reporting; Scat documentation will be added soon for additional reporting.
- C4 Environment Centre: Upgrades to misthouse completed; Addition of bee hotel.
- Wildlife Bridge & Crossings: Progress made with good growth on vegetation; Confirmed wildlife using the bridge.
- Mission Beach Foreshore: C4 will continue to input into redevelopment plans particularly along the foreshore to encourage the replacement of invasive species with native coastal species.
- EL Foreshore Clearing: Whitney shared that Council had a draft rehabilitation plan for the area, C4 to support where needed.
- Beach Clean-ups: Ongoing each year, well attended and successful.
- Frogs Hollow Plantings: Two revegetation projects completed with local schools Rainforest School and Carey Baptist Grammar students onsite in Frogs Hollow, continued support into the new year.
- Gurrbum Nature Refuge Projects: Ongoing revegetation since 2019, showing strong growth. Continued works onsite through the new year including new access road and further plantings.
- Queen’s Jubilee Project: Revegetation growth is progressing well.
- MH Reveg: Future opportunities for habitat improvement have been identified and will be followed up with the Council.
- Weeds Work: C4 & Girringun are coordinating major projects around Clump Point to remove invasive weeds. It was raised that we should look to apply pressure to the QLD Government around the renewed Green & Blue Plan to provide more paid jobs working in the environment sector. Volunteers cannot be expected to do it all.
- Community Events: C4 Talks, GBR50 Community Day at Ninney Rise, and the Rainforest School Spring Fair all well attended throughout the year.
- Conclusion: Report noted at 12:20 pm, with thanks to all volunteers.
6. Election of Office Bearers
The following nominations were received and all positions accepted:
- President: Peter Rowles
- Vice President: Helen Larson
- Secretary: Madeleine Beekman
- Treasurer: Jeff Larson
- Habitat Coordinator: Kate Blank
- Nursery Coordinator: Peter Trott
- Indigenous Coordinator: Whitney Rassip
- Rural Coordinator: Kate Blank
- Website / Digital Coordinator: Kate Blank
- Display Centre Coordinator: Jeff Larson
- Member Coordinator: Jeff Larson
- Moved by: Bob Jones
- Outcome: All positions elected unopposed and accepted at 12:30 pm
7. Life Membership
Life Membership was awarded to Bob Jones in recognition of his long-standing service to C4.
- Accepted unanimously at 12:33 pm.
8. Strategic Planning
A discussion was held on C4’s future direction: “Where do we want to be in 10 years?”
Members agreed to incorporate this into the organisation’s upcoming strategic plan.
9. Thanks
A formal vote of thanks was extended to President Peter Rowles and the Management Committee for their leadership and dedication throughout the year.
10. C4 Year in Review (film by Meryl Harding)
11. Meeting Close
The meeting closed at 12.50pm