Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY DEBBIE PONTING, KOALA ACTION GROUP – REDLANDS
Redland City’s natural beauty has long been one of its greatest treasures, and for local volunteer Una Sandeman, protecting that environment is both a passion and a purpose. Known among community groups for her tireless advocacy and keen eye behind the camera, she has become a leading voice in grassroots conservation efforts across the bayside.
Una dedicates her time to a remarkable number of environmental organisations, including the Hilliard Creek Bushcare Group, Australian Conservation Foundation Community Bayside, Koala Action Group, The Wilderness Society, Birdlife Bayside, and the Queensland Wader Study Group. Her commitment extends even further through her involvement in monthly and quarterly bird surveys and annual North Stradbroke Island koala count, where she joins fellow volunteers in gathering vital data.
A talented photographer, Una uses her camera as a powerful tool for advocacy. Her images of koalas, birdlife, and local bushland capture not only the beauty of the Redlands but also the urgency of protecting it. Through social media, she shares these moments widely, encouraging residents to reconnect with the natural world around them.
“I just want people to see what’s right in front of them,” she has said in conversations with fellow volunteers. “We’re so lucky to live in a place like this, and sometimes we forget how important it is to protect it.”
Her posts often do more than showcase wildlife – they bring people together. Una regularly invites community members to join her in spotting koalas or exploring local bushland areas. These informal gatherings have introduced hundreds of residents, young and old, to the region’s unique biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
Central to Una’s current efforts is her advocacy for koalas in the Ormiston area, particularly those living in a corridor on the grounds of Ormiston College. The site has become the focus of community concern due to the potential loss of more than 650 mature trees, a development that could significantly impact local wildlife habitat.
Una spends countless hours in the area, carefully spotting koalas and conducting informal health checks. Her observations contribute to a broader understanding of the local population and highlight the importance of preserving critical habitat corridors.
Beyond monitoring, Una has become a key figure in raising awareness about the issue. Through her photography and community outreach, she’s helped shine a spotlight on the potential environmental impact of tree removal, encouraging informed discussion and community engagement.
Her efforts reflect a broader belief that conservation starts at the local level. By fostering a sense of connection between people and place, Una hopes to inspire long-term stewardship of the environment.
Equally important to her message is the link between nature and wellbeing where she encourages people to step outside, slow down, and experience the restorative benefits of the natural world. Whether it’s a quiet moment watching a koala in a gum tree or a walk through a bushland reserve, she believes these experiences are vital.
In a fast-paced world, her approach resonates. Through her work, Una reminds the Redlands community that protecting nature is not just about preserving wildlife – it’s about enriching lives. As development pressures continue to challenge natural habitats, volunteers like Una Sandeman play a crucial role in ensuring that the Redlands’ environmental heritage is not only protected but celebrated.
