Bee and Gua Country

About the Book

I would like to acknowledge the Giabal , Jagera and Jarowair peoples. The Traditional Custodians of this land we are talking about, and pay my respects to all Elders past, present and emerging as they hold the memories, traditions and culture of this land, country and Nation. To this day, Toowoomba is known for its koala populations and habitat, with community-led initiatives actively working to protect and understand the local koala numbers. The Toowoomba Region Koala Count, for example, is an annual event where residents participate in citizen-science activities by spotting and reporting koala sightings, contributing valuable data for koala conservation. Native corridors still actively exist everywhere in this region around Toowoomba and currently The 2024 Koala Count recorded 230 individual koalas across the Toowoomba region. The story lives on……

About the Author

Bernadette (Bee) Edwards is an Australian Trauma Psychologist of 30 years specialising in First Responder counselling and support. She has lived and worked in many countries and loves to share her passion for the Australian way of life. In her spare time, she is a nature advocate who celebrates connection to Country, community and the more-than-human world, including the beloved koala populations highlighted in her book ‘Bee and Gua Country’. She wrote this book for her beloved father after he dreamt the story line.

Drawing on a deep respect for the Giabal, Jagera and Jarowair peoples and their custodianship of the Toowoomba region where she was born, Bee writes to inspire readers of all ages to notice, cherish and protect the native corridors, wildlife and stories that shape this landscape. ‘Bee and Gua Country’ is Bee’s debut book and reflects a passion for citizen science, local conservation initiatives such as the Toowoomba Region Koala Count, and the power of story to keep Country alive in hearts and minds.