News

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

Chair's Report, Financials, and a statement from the Treasurer were presented and a Committee of Management was elected. All members of the 2025 Committee were returned and we welcomed an additional Director, Hugh Wallace. The full Committee for 2026 is:

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. 

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.