The Friends of Mary Cairncross Association invite you to hear a special talk about the importance of dark skies.
Ken Wishaw is the instigator of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s project to create an International Dark Sky Reserve in our hinterland, which includes the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. He is a founding board member of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance, which advises governments on light pollution issues and, in recognition of his national and global actions, named the Dark Sky Defender of 2024.
Darkness is essential for a healthy biosphere - and for the Reserve. Light pollution disrupts wildlife, affects habitats, and alters predator-prey dynamics; many plants depend on nocturnal pollinators. The Obi Obi valley is one of the few coastal areas in southeast Queensland largely untouched by light pollution.
Ken will share with guests, how to become experts on how to mitigate light pollution without living in the gloom and reignite our passion for a dark sky at night. Raising awareness is key to achieving this goal.
| When | 21st February 2026 |
| 9.30am - 11.30am | |
| Where | Rainforest Discovery Centre, Level 1 - Cairncross Theatrette 148 Mountain View Rd, Maleny |
| Bookings | Free, but spaces are limited. Register here. |
Learn more about the Dark Sky Reserve proposed for the Sunshine Coast.