Eumundi Voice Issue 122, 24 July 2025

ENVIRONMENT

Spencer - Guardian of the glossies

You are never too young to start a movement that positively impacts the world! At just 14yo, Sunshine Beach State High School student Spencer is living proof. His story isn’t just about birds – it’s about caring deeply, taking action, and creating positive change that protects our wildlife so we can all appreciate a world with flora and fauna.

Spencer’s love of nature started young. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved it,” he said. By 6yo, he was attending local environment group meetings and learning from mentors such as Glossy Bob, who nurtured his passion. By 8yo, he was out in the bush tracking glossy black cockatoos, observing how they fed on she-oak cones and mapping where they nested and drank.

A turning point came when he discovered that a key patch of glossy habitat was to be cleared for development. Tragically, that habitat is now gone. “We had around 40 glossies before it was

lost. Now, we’re down to 11. That’s what really started my conservation journey,” said Spencer.

The numbers tell a sobering story of habitat fragmentation and species decline. Spencer realised that without people to speak up for these species, they could vanish before most even notice. Since then, he has become a champion and advocate for wildlife. He launched

My Big Backyard – a citizen science project that urges people to record any species they find on platforms such as iNaturalist or his website. “All data is good data, even spotting the same bird again and again helps scientists understand our ecosystems.”

Spencer has designed wildlife calendars with his own photographs. Thanks to support from Australia’s leading environmental groups and sponsors, he distributes these to schools, using them to spark conversations and encourage kids to protect local habitats. Through school talks and conferences, he’s helping a new generation see themselves as stewards of the natural world. Spencer also founded World Stand Up for Nature Day on 9 September, inviting people everywhere to take small actions – creating art, planting trees, sharing photos – that collectively build a culture of care. Last year he organised an art exhibition and a panel discussion with local MPs, councillors and environmental leaders to showcase how everyday people can be guardians of nature.

His efforts recently led him to meet his lifelong hero, Jane Goodall. “It was incredible to speak in front of hundreds of young people, teachers and conservationists – and to present to Jane herself,” said Spencer.

Spencer was invited by a Californian-based director to feature in a documentary on extinction and biodiversity loss, which follows his journey from the Sunshine Coast to Tasmania to highlight the plight of the endangered Maugean skate – an endangered species of fish only found in Tasmanian waters. The documentary launches later this month and will be screened locally in the coming months.

So how can we help? Head outdoors with binoculars or a camera. Submit your sightings to citizen science apps. Plant native species, let parts of your garden grow wild, keep pets away from nesting wildlife, or simply pay closer attention on your daily walk. Talk to neighbours, encourage local schools to host nature sessions,

and support groups working to protect habitat. “All these small actions build a culture of care. That’s how we protect the magic of our planet for generations to come", said Spencer. Spencer’s story is a powerful reminder that kindness isn’t just for people – it’s for all living things that share our world. Visit: savesunriseglossies.com.au.