Fifty years of parks, people and protection

Issued
24 June 2025

On World Environment Day in 1975, the National Parks and Wildlife Service was created when the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1975 was proclaimed.  While we wouldn’t be called ‘Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’ (QPWS) until 1998, the legacy began some 50 years ago.

Events around the State brought employees, past and present, together to celebrate our golden anniversary and reflect on some of the incredible achievements these last 5 decades have produced.

Left to right: a sketch of a native rodent, a cake with the Queensland Parks emblem and an old car lighting rig with Forest Ranger across itOpen larger image

Managing the original 292 national parks was a challenge for the 85 field staff who were there at our inception. Fifty years later, there are now more than 1,000 protected areas around the State, and thankfully a few more field staff to help carry the load.

Other celebrated milestones included the phenomenal recovery efforts for the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat. Growing the population from just 54 known individuals in Epping Forest National Park (Scientific) to the over 400 recorded wombats now making their home in multiple private and public protected areas is an incredible win for one of Queensland’s most loved species.

An official celebration took place at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre with similar internal celebrations all across the State. A beautiful Welcome to Country was performed by Songwoman Maroochy which included insights into her history and, as she describes, her ancient Australian identity and her new-world Australian identity. Attendees were also treated to an excerpt from one of her poems.

Minister Andrew Powell, Director General Trish O’Callaghan, and Deputy Director General Ben Klaassen, Director Donna, Ranger Stacey and Herbie sit in a rowOpen larger image

Speeches from Minister Andrew Powell, Director General Trish O’Callaghan, and Deputy Director General Ben Klaassen acknowledged the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers to get us to where we are today and highlighted the importance of QPWS’s ongoing focus on stewardship and the shared love of this beautiful State.

A collection of pictures of staff and parks on in two separate regional officesOpen larger image

While our birthday is one day a year, we're proud and lucky to be celebrating half a century of passionate people who have contributed to the conservation of Queensland's protected areas, either directly through land management or as mindful visitors and appreciators.

A selection of cakes all with variations of 'QPWS 50' on themOpen larger image

There was also a lot of cake. What's a birthday celebration without one?

We’re excited to continue the opportunity of reflecting on our past while we look ahead to what another 50 years of people passionate about parks can do for their protection.

Related parks

  • Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

    Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is located on the southern edge of D'Aguilar National Park. It features a Visitor Centre, Wildlife Centre, Wildlife Discovery Show, cafe, function centre and venue hire.

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