To most people, pulling weeds might hardly seem an activity likely to generate philosophical discussion. But after meeting some of the volunteers who are making a very big difference to Magnetic Island's Florence Bay foreshore, this reporter learned that weeding is not so much about pulling something out but putting something back.

The Magnetic Island National Park Volunteers Group, consisting of between six and ten individuals meets every fortnight on Saturday mornings at beautiful Florence Bay where, since May this year, they have removed 80% of the periwinkle weeds which had massed along the dunes beneath the casuarina trees.

Ranger Michael Johnson told Magnetic Times, "We are getting great support from Islanders who have committed their time and, with the periwinkles removed, it makes it easier to find rubber vine (another major weed species)."

According to Michael Johnson, the work has been assisted to some extent by contributions from the Australian Conservation Volunteers group and, briefly, by a Scouts group.

Before weeding (Photo: courtesy Tania Thoreau)


After weeding (Photo: courtesy Tania Thoreau)

On the job last Saturday were Dr Sarah Lythgoe, her son Michael and Felix Kiwit plus Nelly Bay residents, Tania Thoreau and partner Peter Duckworth, who have made a long term commitment to the weeding projects.

When asked why they had become involved, Peter said, "It is something you can do that's a small step in the right direction. If you want this sort of work to be done then you either pay more taxes or do it yourself. There are only three full-time rangers to look after the Island and they have plenty to do."

Tania sees the work as having a direct relationship to her living on Magnetic Island. "Because I enjoy living on the Island, therefore I feel that I should be taking care of the place," she said, adding, "I will be here doing this as long as I am here (on the Island). It's healthy and you can work out as you weed."

The clearly contented faces of these volunteers and the setting of a perfect morning at Florence Bay made it seem that this form of repayment was, in itself, hugely satisfying and the pair were keen to convey their sense of pleasure in the work and what it meant to them.

Peter Duckworth became quite passionate about the work which he sees as a kind of exercise in living well. He quoted Tania's namesake Henry David Thoreau, the nineteenth century American writer, naturalist and philosopher, who wrote: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived"

It seems the roots of weeding go deep and, another great thinker, Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "You must be the change you want to be in the world," was recalled by the couple. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, Peter ventured one more, slightly modified quotation, "Ask not what your Island can do for you; ask what you can do for your Island".

Michael and Felix and the periwinkle pile

For other Islanders or visitors interested in what they can do for their Island Queensland Parks and Wildlife provide all the information and training that the volunteer needs to carry out any activities. Safety gear is also provided.

Volunteers are however required to sign a QPWS Volunteer Agreement.

For what is clearly a very satisfying volunteer occupation and, perhaps, a key to a fulfilling life on Magnetic Island, the Magnetic Island National Park Volunteer Group can be joined by contacting Carolyn Dixon, Co-ordinator of volunteers 4774 1414.

Story: George Hirst

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