Tom and Rocky Find Message in a Bottle
A red helicopter docks on top of damp, fine sand in the distance. Waves softly crash against the shore as a dog in a red and black vest scours sand dunes looking for fox dens. Today, it is his handler that makes the big find.
It is warm and sunny at Shoalwater Bay and Senior Project Officer Tom Garrett sets out with Rocky the conservation detector dog early in the morning to complete fox detection works along the beach.
Shoalwater Bay is a military training area off the coast of Rockhampton in Central Queensland. The base was established in 1965, and has been restricted to public access since then. The beach doesn’t see many visitors at all.
The area is known to attract debris; the result of tidal movements that suck all sorts of things onto the beach. Light bulbs, gas bottles, eskies, soccer balls and other miscellaneous items of rubbish discarded by vessels or caught up the tides.
Tom made his way along the waterline, peppered here and there with ocean debris. His eye caught something unusual and out of place glistening in the sun. As he moved closer, he noticed that it was an opaque glass bottle - and there was something inside it.
This was a rare find for Rocky and Tom. They’d worked beaches for years and heard stories of people finding a message in a bottle, but had never experienced it before, nor knew of someone who had.
Tom carefully unscrewed the bottle and removed the paper inside. On an A4 blue lined note, letters in black sharpie jumped from the page...
We are a group of sailors on board a 40 metre sailboat! We left Lyttelton, New Zealand on 31 March 2018 and are ten days into our six week journey to Tahiti. We are expecting some heavy weather from a yet to be named storm so we’ve spent the day securing the boat, tying things down, padding loud pots and pans, getting the sails ready. We have 21 oceanography college students and 13 professional crew onboard. If you are reading this, I would love to hear from you. [CONTACT EMAIL]
Tom pocketed the bottle and note and he and Rocky continued on their task of sweeping the bay for foxes.
Back at the office, Tom retraced his steps and shared his curious find with new staff member Alyssa Glover in the Communications team of SQ Landscapes. Alyssa set out to find the author of the letter - casting off an email to the address detailed on the note...and waiting like all good anglers wait for their catch.
Three days later, Alyssa received a reply to her email.
Lauren Heinen was a marine biology graduate when she boarded the Robert C. Seamans ship as a cook in 2018. Lauren and her 34 crew-mates were confined to a 40 metre space for 40 days studying plankton levels at different sea temperatures. The days were often long. Lauren said the journey from Lyttleton to Tahiti is the longest you can take without seeing land.
Inspired by stories from a previous ship captain and as a means of entertaining herself and communicating with the outside world, Lauren started writing letters during the long evenings. She would fold them up and seal them inside a bottle before throwing them into the sea next afternoon - and watching as the bottle drifted off beyond the horizon.
“I guess I wanted to see if I could have some kind of connection beyond my 34 crew-mates. A really distant connection; and having a message I’m sending out to the world feels like a broader connection,
“I thought, wouldn't it be a cool thing - what might happen,” Lauren said.
The bottle Tom found at Shoalwater Bay with Rocky was some 3,862 kms from where it was cast into the ocean 1,111 days earlier. The bottle’s journey was just short of the total 40 day journey the author Lauren had taken to Tahiti from New Zealand.
“I have thrown about 25 bottles over my eight years at sea and only ever heard responses from four of those messages. It was a shock, and very exciting when you got in contact. So far this is the longest time period between the bottle being thrown and being found,” Lauren said
“The first bottle was found in New Zealand a week or two later. All the others have been found a couple of weeks or months after throwing them into the ocean. It makes me wonder how long it was on the beach before someone found it,” Lauren said.
Lauren also encouraged other students aboard the Robert C. Seamans to join her in sending letters.
“It’s really exciting to hear from students when their bottles get picked up. It's kind of a fun community activity- writing messages and throwing them overboard.” Lauren said.
Now living in Wisconsin USA, Lauren reflected on her time aboard the Robert C. Seamans with great fondness - eager to get back out to sea once Covid restrictions ease.
“I feel like it's magic on both ends - the writing of it and preparing of it and getting together with other students and shipmates to throw it overboard - that's exciting, and then hearing from people who find it years later, that is really exciting,” Lauren said.
Without saying it in words, Tom conveyed the magic of his find at Shoalwater Bay. Although separated by distance, Tom’s remarkable find connects him with Lauren, the sailor who’s words would travel 3,862 kms in an opaque glass bottle, to deliver a message to a man and his conservation detector dog, three years in the future.
Tom now has a forever story to tell about his time at Shoalwater Bay, and Lauren found what she was always seeking for… a really distant connection.
Lauren Heinen (pictured) is the author of the note.
Oceanography student aboard the Robert C. Seamans, Haley Rogers (pictured), throws a bottle out to sea.
We are seeing fantastic momentum across the region, with strong interest from landholders in improving land condition. Even better, clusters of neighbouring properties are getting involved, a promising sign for achieving landscape-scale change that supports water infiltration, soil health, and resilient groundcover. To help visualise this, Projects Lead Payel Sinha, developed a set of clever graphics that capture the essence of the NRRP program. The circular diagram below shows how water, soil, vegetation, grazing, and ecosystem balance are interconnected, all working together to support healthier landscapes.
We were honoured to have CEO Gillian Meppem, Richard Turnbull, Dr Payel Sinha and Uncle Kevin, a Margany Elder from near Quilpie, come together on the Gold Coast for this year’s Landcare Conference, representing our vision, work and cultural partnerships across the region. Dr Payel Sinha delivered a presentation on the Natural Resource Recovery Program: A Holistic Approach to Restoring Landscapes , showcasing how integrative, place-based strategies can unite ecological health, cultural values and community resilience.
About this Role The Project Officer role works closely with Project Leads and team colleagues to deliver projects aligned to the Strategic Plan. The role requires an understanding of project management and stakeholder engagement principles, ideally within regional communities. Working under general supervision with only limited instruction, Project Officers will bring a commercial understanding to the delivery of on-ground project work through contractors, land manager partnerships and other community stakeholders that facilitate positive and sustainable transformation of agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. Location Any Southern Queensland Landscapes office location (Toowoomba, Charleville or Roma). Key Responsibilities Independently and as a team member deliver developed sustainable agriculture and natural resource management programs, on time and to budget using the designated business project management system. With the support of the Project Leads, deliver project reports, including funding acquittals. Conduct farm and other site visits to assess land manager constraints and opportunities and alignment of proposed activities to program outcomes and deliverables. Achieve on-farm adoption of practice change through support for land management changes, including negotiating co-contribution agreements with a demonstrated commercial mindset. Organise and facilitate extension activities such as workshops and field days, and support the knowledge transfer and media output (communication) aspects of programs. Collect and analyse data, and document project activity outcomes. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, community groups, First Nations and aligned industry partners. Support Project Leads in the development phase of programs and the Business Development function. Embrace and model the behaviours and culture of a high-performance team. Key Requirements Relevant certificate or tertiary qualifications in Business, Agricultural or Environmental Science or other relevant field. Demonstrated strong knowledge of Australian farming systems and commitment to sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. Competency in project management, including budget acquittal and reporting, high level proficiency in computing skills and data management. Technical experience across environmental, agricultural or adjacent sectors. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively. Our Shared Commitment At Southern Queensland Landscapes, we value a safe, respectful, and high-performing workplace. As part of our team, you’ll be required to: Uphold the organisations values and act with integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and the community. Follow all company policies and procedures, your employment contract, and relevant legislation. Actively contribute to a safe work environment by applying our workplace health and safety (WHS) policies, demonstrating due diligence, commitment and care. Respect confidentiality and privacy requirements when handling sensitive information, in accordance with relevant privacy laws, policies and procedures. Be adaptable and undertake any reasonable duties across our teams and locations, supporting Southern Queensland Landscapes’ broader strategic objectives. Seek and support continuous improvement by regularly reflecting on how we do things – individually, as a team, and across the business. Embrace our continual learning culture by participating in training and professional development that enhances your skills and impact. Be prepared to work outside of normal hours on occasion to meet project or organisational requirements. Undertake any mandatory training within a reasonable timeframe. Hold and maintain a valid driver’s licence. Be willing to travel, including overnight stays, as reasonably required. ο»Ώ
About this Role The Project Leads role works closely with the Program Delivery Manager and Programs Manager to deliver projects against the Strategic Plan. The role requires high level project development and management skills with experience working within regional communities, to facilitate positive and sustainable transformation of agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. A key function of the role is the leadership and development of a team of Project Officers and external contractors to be a high performing team that ensures projects are delivered commercially and to customer and stakeholder expectations. Project Leads will bring a growth mindset with the capacity to overcome challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and continuously improve products and services. Location Any Southern Queensland Landscapes office location (Toowoomba, Charleville or Roma). Key Responsibilities Support the Program Delivery team to develop and deliver sustainable agriculture and natural resource management programs, on time and to budget, informed by effective project performance analysis. Delivery of all program reports, including funding acquittals, while maintaining strong communication and relationship with funders. Develop the team through training, coaching and mentoring, while enhancing the systems and tools that support program delivery, to enable a team of Project Officers and contractors that deliver customer service levels that are best in the sector. Support the team to conduct farm and other site visits to assess land manager constraints and opportunities and propose suitable, innovative solutions to achieve on-farm adoption through support for land management practice change, including negotiating co-contribution agreements with a demonstrated commercial mindset. Support the team to plan and deliver innovative extension activities, knowledge transfer artefacts, and media outputs. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, community groups, First Nations and aligned industry partners to identify partnership opportunities and strategically leverage current programs to optimise delivery and business outcomes. Supporting the Program Delivery Manager and Programs Manager in the development phase of programs and the Business Development function. Support the Leadership team to deliver priority operational programs and cross business functions against the Strategic Plan. Embrace and model the behaviours and culture of a high-performance team. Key Requirements Tertiary qualifications in Business Management, Agricultural or Environmental Science, or other relevant field, with experience in a similar role and a level of skills sufficient to perform the role. Demonstrated ability to lead multiple complex projects with a range of stakeholders. Demonstrated high level experience in systems to plan, schedule, and track multiple programs of work to deliver on time and to budget. Demonstrated experience in industry extension principles and practices and in successfully engaging with and providing capacity building activities for the agricultural and land management sectors. Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and leading a high performing, diverse team through fostering strong performance and constructively navigating challenges as they arise. Extensive experience working with landholders, contractors and other stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate with influence, to a diverse client base including landholders, industry groups, and government. A growth mindset with the capacity to overcome challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and continuously improve products and services. Our Shared Commitment At Southern Queensland Landscapes, we value a safe, respectful, and high-performing workplace. As part of our team, you’ll be required to: Uphold the organisations values and act with integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and the community. Follow all company policies and procedures, your employment contract, and relevant legislation. Actively contribute to a safe work environment by applying our workplace health and safety (WHS) policies, demonstrating due diligence, commitment and care. Respect confidentiality and privacy requirements when handling sensitive information, in accordance with relevant privacy laws, policies and procedures. Be adaptable and undertake any reasonable duties across our teams and locations, supporting Southern Queensland Landscapes’ broader strategic objectives. Seek and support continuous improvement by regularly reflecting on how we do things – individually, as a team, and across the business. Embrace our continual learning culture by participating in training and professional development that enhances your skills and impact. Be prepared to work outside of normal hours on occasion to meet project or organisational requirements. Undertake any mandatory training within a reasonable timeframe. Hold and maintain a valid driver’s licence. Be willing to travel, including overnight stays, as reasonably required. ο»Ώ
The rapidly evolving global market for agricultural commodities, including cotton, was front and centre at the recent Australian Cotton Research Conference held in Narrabri, NSW. A key theme throughout the event was the increasing pressure climate change places on cotton production and how the industry is adapting through innovation and research. Andrew Davidson of Southern Queensland Landscapes introduced an innovative national project funded by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). The project focuses on mapping woody vegetation across cotton farms in Australia, a crucial step toward better understanding on-farm biodiversity and supporting sustainability goals. The project uses a cutting-edge methodology developed by Southern Queensland Landscapes, drawing on a national dataset curated by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). What makes this approach unique is its ability to consistently measure vegetation across state and territory lines, overcoming long-standing challenges caused by fragmented and inconsistent regional datasets. The initiative is a true collaboration between the cotton industry, Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups, and NRM Regions Australia. Together, they aim to build a national picture of woody vegetation cover, including how much of it connects to larger, regional biodiversity corridors. Why It Matters... This vegetation data will provide a scientifically robust and cost-effective indicator of potential biodiversity on cotton farms. In practical terms, it can help: • Support cotton growers in meeting environmental standards for market access • Inform risk management strategies and conversations with financiers • Align with international frameworks such as: - The Science-Based Targets for Nature - The Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework - The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) As the cotton industry looks to remain competitive and resilient in a changing climate, initiatives like this are critical. They help position Australian cotton as a globally trusted, environmentally responsible product.
A Message From Our CEO, Gillian Meppem
Project Officers Katrina Higgins and Erin Landsberg recently joined Rose and Weston from Boobook Ecological Consulting in Roma, to complete field monitoring in the Murweh and Maranoa districts. This monitoring measures the value and health of Coolibah, Poplar Box, and Brigalow habitat. During this time, we deployed acoustic recorders and motion-sensor wildlife cameras, and took DNA samples from nearby water sources to ascertain the fauna within these threatened habitats.
Playing a Leading Role in the National Soil Monitoring Program Queensland’s regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations are playing a leading role in the National Soil Monitoring Program (NSMP), one of Australia’s most ambitious efforts to assess and improve soil health. Funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust and led by CSIRO, the NSMP will involve sampling at approximately 3,000 sites nationwide over three years, more than 850 of those in Queensland, with a focus on key agricultural zones. Queensland’s NRM groups have formed northern and southern clusters to deliver the program, contributing valuable expertise from over 25 years of on-ground experience. Southern Queensland Landscapes will lead delivery for the QLD South cluster of regions. The data collected will provide a nationally consistent picture of soil condition and health, enabling better decision-making for farmers, land managers, and policymakers to support sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. Jayne Thorpe, Business Development Manager at Southern Queensland Landscapes said, “In total, the QLD South cluster will collect 565 soil samples over the course of the project. That will work out as 11.3 tonnes of soil sent for analysis!”
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: π www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained π www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme π www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund π www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital π www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes. ο»Ώ