A number of educational and interactive events on the environment and sustainability have been organised in 2024. You can book for selected events by clicking on the relevant link. All REF Environmental events are free.
Upcoming events
26 November 2025
Hays Inlet Bird Survey
7.00 am to 10.30 am (meet at the Rugby Union Car Park at Silcock Street, Clontarf)
This is the quarterly survey of birds within the Silcock Street Reserve. Join our team of birders and bring your binoculars and camera (over 150 species of birds have been observed in Hays Inlet. It's important that you bring a hat, sunblock, insect repellent, water bottle and appropriate footwear (it is a wetland area). For the official count afterwards, bring a chair and morning tea.
Hays Inlet Bird Survey
7.00 am to 10.30 am (meet at the Rugby Union Car Park at Silcock Street, Clontarf)
This is the quarterly survey of birds within the Silcock Street Reserve. Join our team of birders and bring your binoculars and camera (over 150 species of birds have been observed in Hays Inlet. It's important that you bring a hat, sunblock, insect repellent, water bottle and appropriate footwear (it is a wetland area). For the official count afterwards, bring a chair and morning tea.
www.trybooking.com/DFEZE20 November 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
This is your invitation to come along to our forum and learn about the amazing and iconic Australian Platypus from “biodiversity champion” Neil Andison. An avid naturalist and conservationist, Neil is also known as the "Platypus Whisperer" and has chosen to focus on the Platypus as a key species for his study, his business and, by association, his life!
Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
This is your invitation to come along to our forum and learn about the amazing and iconic Australian Platypus from “biodiversity champion” Neil Andison. An avid naturalist and conservationist, Neil is also known as the "Platypus Whisperer" and has chosen to focus on the Platypus as a key species for his study, his business and, by association, his life!
Book here
11 November 2025
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
REF Environmental AGM.
This is a chance to hear about the work of REF Environmental including the volunteers over the past 12 months. Nominations are called for joining the REF Committee and all members are welcome to nominate for the committee including President, Administration Officer, Financial Officer and the management committee. You can access the form here
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
REF Environmental AGM.
This is a chance to hear about the work of REF Environmental including the volunteers over the past 12 months. Nominations are called for joining the REF Committee and all members are welcome to nominate for the committee including President, Administration Officer, Financial Officer and the management committee. You can access the form here
7 November 2025
Moreton Bay Sea Country Showcase
8.30 am to 12.30 pm (University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Petrie Campus)
Learn about Moreton Bay from world class researchers from the University's research clusters including presentations on local solutions to global processes and the conservation of key threatened species. There will also be a discussion panel on the future of marine protection, conservation, restoration and enhancement in Moreton Bay. Tickets are $20.00 and include morning tea. Book here
Moreton Bay Sea Country Showcase
8.30 am to 12.30 pm (University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Petrie Campus)
Learn about Moreton Bay from world class researchers from the University's research clusters including presentations on local solutions to global processes and the conservation of key threatened species. There will also be a discussion panel on the future of marine protection, conservation, restoration and enhancement in Moreton Bay. Tickets are $20.00 and include morning tea. Book here
16 October 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
Invasive species including weeds and pests including cats, foxes and red deer have a devastating impact on our wildlife and habitats. Learn about other invasive species including an update on Fire ants from Helen Tyan (DPI Biosecurity) and an overview of the work carried out by the Invasive Species Council by Reece Pianta. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
Invasive species including weeds and pests including cats, foxes and red deer have a devastating impact on our wildlife and habitats. Learn about other invasive species including an update on Fire ants from Helen Tyan (DPI Biosecurity) and an overview of the work carried out by the Invasive Species Council by Reece Pianta. Book here
12 October 2025
Welcome back shorebirds to Deception Bay
8.00 am to 11.00 am (Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay)
Learn about migratory shorebirds and participate in a guided tour of the Deception Bay foreshore. Details for this free event will be confirmed in the near future.
8.00 am Meet at the boat ramp at Beaufort Place & The Esplanade, Deception Bay for a guided tour of the foreshore and them 10.00 am at the Deception Bay Environmental Hub for presentations on migratory waders. Refreshments after on the deck. Book here
Welcome back shorebirds to Deception Bay
8.00 am to 11.00 am (Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay)
Learn about migratory shorebirds and participate in a guided tour of the Deception Bay foreshore. Details for this free event will be confirmed in the near future.
8.00 am Meet at the boat ramp at Beaufort Place & The Esplanade, Deception Bay for a guided tour of the foreshore and them 10.00 am at the Deception Bay Environmental Hub for presentations on migratory waders. Refreshments after on the deck. Book here
28 September 2025: World Rivers Day
10.30 am to 11.30 am (Osprey House Pine Rivers).
Learn about our precious local river systems and the processes along the pathway from the mountains to mangroves. The presentation will be led by Dan Pagotto from the Pine Rivers Catchment Association and activities include a guided walk along the Pine River at Osprey House. The event is hosted by the City of Moreton Bay and registration details for this free event will be confirmed in the near future. Book here
10.30 am to 11.30 am (Osprey House Pine Rivers).
Learn about our precious local river systems and the processes along the pathway from the mountains to mangroves. The presentation will be led by Dan Pagotto from the Pine Rivers Catchment Association and activities include a guided walk along the Pine River at Osprey House. The event is hosted by the City of Moreton Bay and registration details for this free event will be confirmed in the near future. Book here
Previous events
21 August 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
Learn about two of the major invasive species impacting on our waterways. Hayden Ferguson will present on Tilapia and is the Principal Policy Officer pest fish with Biosecurity Queensland’s Invasive Plants and Animals. Anita Wohlsen is the Principal Biosecurity Officer for marine biosecurity at Biosecurity Queensland and will be presenting on the Suminoe Oyster. These two invasive species threaten the biodiversity and ecology of our Moreton Bay Region. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
Learn about two of the major invasive species impacting on our waterways. Hayden Ferguson will present on Tilapia and is the Principal Policy Officer pest fish with Biosecurity Queensland’s Invasive Plants and Animals. Anita Wohlsen is the Principal Biosecurity Officer for marine biosecurity at Biosecurity Queensland and will be presenting on the Suminoe Oyster. These two invasive species threaten the biodiversity and ecology of our Moreton Bay Region. Book here
27 July 2025 World Mangrove Day
10.00 am to 12 noon (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
Join REF Environmental in celebrating World Mangrove Day at Deception Bay. There will be a presentation on the mangroves of Moreton Bay and a guided walk along the foreshore of Deception Bay. Book here
10.00 am to 12 noon (Deception Bay Environmental Hub)
Join REF Environmental in celebrating World Mangrove Day at Deception Bay. There will be a presentation on the mangroves of Moreton Bay and a guided walk along the foreshore of Deception Bay. Book here
26 July 2025 World Mangrove Day
10.00 am to 11.30 am (Osprey House)
Learn all about mangroves at Osprey House this World Mangrove Day with a guided walk. Join Bob Crudgington, the director of EnviroEd, as he leads a guided walk along the boardwalk. Book here
10.00 am to 11.30 am (Osprey House)
Learn all about mangroves at Osprey House this World Mangrove Day with a guided walk. Join Bob Crudgington, the director of EnviroEd, as he leads a guided walk along the boardwalk. Book here
17 July 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Learn about some of the freshwater and marine invertebrates of Moreton Bay, Presentations by Dan Pagatto (PRCA) and Bob Crudgington (REF). Microscopes will be set up to show some of the local examples. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Learn about some of the freshwater and marine invertebrates of Moreton Bay, Presentations by Dan Pagatto (PRCA) and Bob Crudgington (REF). Microscopes will be set up to show some of the local examples. Book here
19 June 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Crocodiles and Climate Change". learn about the research being conducted by Kaitlin Barham (UQ) on the impact of higher temperatures on the behaviour of crocodiles and implications for the future.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Crocodiles and Climate Change". learn about the research being conducted by Kaitlin Barham (UQ) on the impact of higher temperatures on the behaviour of crocodiles and implications for the future.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
15 May 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks" Come along to our forum and learn about the latest research on the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark from researcher and PhD candidate Maddison Cross (University of Sunshine Coast). Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks" Come along to our forum and learn about the latest research on the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark from researcher and PhD candidate Maddison Cross (University of Sunshine Coast). Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
17 April 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Humpback Whales and Dolphins: Research Update." Learn about the latest work from researcher, Dr Alexis Levengood (University of Sunshine Coast) on our local Humpback Whales and Dolphins.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Humpback Whales and Dolphins: Research Update." Learn about the latest work from researcher, Dr Alexis Levengood (University of Sunshine Coast) on our local Humpback Whales and Dolphins.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
10 April 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Blueprint for Moreton Bay". Presented by Katie Walters from the Moreton Bay Foundation, which recently commissioned a review of Moreton Bay ecology, social connection and barriers and legislative frameworks and identified. The review resulted in a comprehensive plan including priority actions for the protection and renewal of Moreton Bay over the coming decade. Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Blueprint for Moreton Bay". Presented by Katie Walters from the Moreton Bay Foundation, which recently commissioned a review of Moreton Bay ecology, social connection and barriers and legislative frameworks and identified. The review resulted in a comprehensive plan including priority actions for the protection and renewal of Moreton Bay over the coming decade. Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
3rd April 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Riverwatch: Freshwater Ecology Workshop". Learn about collecting water quality data as well as the ecology of freshwater macro-invertebrates and become part of the Riverwatch Team. Workshop presented by Dan Pagotto and Jason Ramsay (PRCA).
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Riverwatch: Freshwater Ecology Workshop". Learn about collecting water quality data as well as the ecology of freshwater macro-invertebrates and become part of the Riverwatch Team. Workshop presented by Dan Pagotto and Jason Ramsay (PRCA).
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
20 March 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Oyster Reef Restoration." Learn about global shellfish loss and the work being undertaken by researchers Ben Gilby and Erin Wells to restore shellfish reefs, how it works, and the science needed to undertake and optimise the process. Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Oyster Reef Restoration." Learn about global shellfish loss and the work being undertaken by researchers Ben Gilby and Erin Wells to restore shellfish reefs, how it works, and the science needed to undertake and optimise the process. Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay. Book here
5 March 2025
7.00 am to 10.00 am
Hays Inlet Bird Survey. Refer to our bird survey information on Bird Surveys. We have checked the tide times, and we are hoping that the waders will be congregating before they head off for Northern climes. Note, it will be muddy so appropriate footwear will be required, there are always mosquitoes, so insect repellent, a bottle of water and sunscreen is also essential.
7.00 am to 10.00 am
Hays Inlet Bird Survey. Refer to our bird survey information on Bird Surveys. We have checked the tide times, and we are hoping that the waders will be congregating before they head off for Northern climes. Note, it will be muddy so appropriate footwear will be required, there are always mosquitoes, so insect repellent, a bottle of water and sunscreen is also essential.
2 March 2025
10.00 am to 12 noon
Clean Up Australia Day at Silcock Street Reserve, Clontarf. We will meet at the rugby carpark in Silcock St and make our way into the bush from there. Please wear appropriate footwear, a hat, sunblock and insect repellent and a water bottle. You can register here.
10.00 am to 12 noon
Clean Up Australia Day at Silcock Street Reserve, Clontarf. We will meet at the rugby carpark in Silcock St and make our way into the bush from there. Please wear appropriate footwear, a hat, sunblock and insect repellent and a water bottle. You can register here.
20 February 2025
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Sawfish". Learn about the icon of Northern Queensland, the Sawfish from Researcher Nikki Biskis (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Sawfish". Learn about the icon of Northern Queensland, the Sawfish from Researcher Nikki Biskis (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
15 February 2025
7.30 am to 10.30 am
"Saltmarsh ecology workshop". Learn about the ecology and ecosystem values of our saltmarsh habitat from EnviroEd Director and President of REF Environmental. Participants will receive a field guide, fact sheet and Certificate of Completion. The workshop will include a short tour of a saltmarsh at Hays Inlet.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.30 am to 10.30 am
"Saltmarsh ecology workshop". Learn about the ecology and ecosystem values of our saltmarsh habitat from EnviroEd Director and President of REF Environmental. Participants will receive a field guide, fact sheet and Certificate of Completion. The workshop will include a short tour of a saltmarsh at Hays Inlet.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
21 November 2024
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Dolphin Ecology". Learn about the ecology of our local dolphins from researcher, Dr Alexis Levengood (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Dolphin Ecology". Learn about the ecology of our local dolphins from researcher, Dr Alexis Levengood (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
26 November 2024
7.00 pm
REF Environmental Annual General Meeting
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay
7.00 pm
REF Environmental Annual General Meeting
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay
30 November 2024
1.30 pm to 6.00 pm (hosted by MoretonCAN)
The Koalas: A story of Survival (Documentary screening)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
1.30 pm to 6.00 pm (hosted by MoretonCAN)
The Koalas: A story of Survival (Documentary screening)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
Postponed until February 2025
1.30 pm to 6.00 pm
Nestboxes Workshop with Stephen Chumbley (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Further details to be confirmed
1.30 pm to 6.00 pm
Nestboxes Workshop with Stephen Chumbley (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Further details to be confirmed
17 October 2024
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Kangaroo Physiology". Learn about the physiology of the Kangaroo from researcher Jasmin Annett (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Talking about Kangaroo Physiology". Learn about the physiology of the Kangaroo from researcher Jasmin Annett (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
6 October 2024
9.00 am to 11.00 am
Welcome back shorebirds to Deception Bay
Learn about migratory shorebirds and participate in a guided tour of the Deception Bay foreshore
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
9.00 am to 11.00 am
Welcome back shorebirds to Deception Bay
Learn about migratory shorebirds and participate in a guided tour of the Deception Bay foreshore
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
3 October 2024
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Owls, Frogmouths and Spotlighting with Stefan Hattingh" Learn about our nocturnal fauna from Stefan Hattingh and meet a live Tawny Frogmouth and Boobook Owl. Also participate in a night spotting tour of Deception Bay just bring your own torch.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
"Owls, Frogmouths and Spotlighting with Stefan Hattingh" Learn about our nocturnal fauna from Stefan Hattingh and meet a live Tawny Frogmouth and Boobook Owl. Also participate in a night spotting tour of Deception Bay just bring your own torch.
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay Book here
14 September 2024
10.00 am to 3.00 pm
REF interactive invertebrate display: Get up close and personal with the invertebrates of Humpybong Creek!
"Picnic in the Park" Corscadden Park Redcliffe
10.00 am to 3.00 pm
REF interactive invertebrate display: Get up close and personal with the invertebrates of Humpybong Creek!
"Picnic in the Park" Corscadden Park Redcliffe
19 September 2024
7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
"Talking about Koala Conservation". Learn about the latest research on our national icon from Dr Katrin Hohweiler (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay
7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
"Talking about Koala Conservation". Learn about the latest research on our national icon from Dr Katrin Hohweiler (University of Sunshine Coast)
Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent Deception Bay