Noosa Council Lunchbox Forum - Cecily Fearnley

Cecily Fearnley’s oral history, presented at a Noosa Council Lunchbox Forum in October 2017, offered a reflective account of her life and longstanding contribution to Noosa’s environmental and cultural heritage. Drawing on memories from her first visit after World War II, Fearnley traced the transformation of Noosa from a relatively isolated coastal destination to a popular and increasingly developed region.

A passionate naturalist, bushwalker, and artist, Fearnley described her deep engagement with the natural environment, which shaped both her personal pursuits and public work. Alongside her husband Jim, she played a key role in establishing the Noosa Parks Association, advocating for conservation at a time of growing development pressure. She also contributed significantly to community education through her long-running “Noosa Nature” newspaper column and subsequent publications, combining detailed observations with illustrations to promote appreciation of local biodiversity.

Central to her narrative was a strong emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and the intrinsic value of Noosa’s natural assets. Fearnley highlighted the importance of protecting ecosystems such as waterways and native vegetation, and stressed the need for thoughtful planning. Her account underscored the role of community awareness in preserving Noosa’s unique character for future generations.