The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) held its inaugural fundraiser on Tuesday 3 November in celebration of International Day for Biosphere Reserves.
More than 100 attendees and special guests dressed up for the Black and Glossy Gala to raise awareness for the threatened Glossy Black-Cockatoo.
“The Glossy Black is one of Australia’s rarest cockatoos and lucky for us, Noosa is a very significant habitat,” NBRF executive coordinator Sharon Wright said.
“The Glossy Black-Cockatoo population is currently under threat from urbanisation and bushfire events, so we wanted to do our bit to protect this vulnerable species.”
Guests learned about the plight of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo from local birders “Glossy Bob” Carey and young eco-warrior Spencer Hitchens who explained how to spot a Glossy from the more common Red or Yellow-Tailed Black-Cockatoo.
NBRF will host a forum later this month with community conservation groups, researchers and local government representatives to identify opportunities for future management and conservation of important habitat.
“We were so happy to raise over $6,000 to go towards outcomes from our upcoming Glossy Black-Cockatoo forum through our Glossy Raffle,” Ms Wright said.
Held at Peppers Noosa Resort View Restaurant, guests were served a long lunch featuring local produce prepared by executive chef, Matt Golinski.
An eco-fashion parade showcased designs made from upcycled garments and discarded textiles by local designers Larissa Salton, Teddy McRitchie and senior students from Sunshine Beach State High School.
Plastic Free Noosa launched their bespoke Noosa reusable water bottle artist series, featuring local artist Suzanne Bloomfield’s illustrations from the children’s book, Fussy Glossies.
More than $5000 worth of prizes were donated by local Noosa operators, individuals and Tourism Noosa to support local business.
“The Black & Glossy Gala was designed to celebrate our Noosa Biosphere. Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive and shows that many people would prefer to frock up for a cause as an alternative to the Melbourne Cup,“ NBRF chair Rex Halverson said.For more information visit www.noosabiosphere.org.au.
