In the Studio

Threatened Species Bake Off 2026

The Brisbane office gathered for a Threatened Species Bake Off morning tea in this the 10th year of the Bake Off, to raise awareness for Australian Threatened species.

The Brisbane office gathered to enjoy a Threatened Species Bake Off morning tea, in this the 10th year of the Bake Off, which seeks to raise awareness of Australian Threatened species.

We were treated to some delicious creations resembling threatened fauna and flora, from the list of 110 priority species. This year our chefs focused on species from the Border Ranges in South-East QLD & Northern NSW, including:

Mountain Frog (Philoria kundagungan): Growing to maximum 30mm, classified as endangered due to climate change, habitat loss, infectious fungus and invasive weeds & fauna. This frog is a key indicator species of ecosystem health and a functional part of rainforest ecosystems. Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream filling, covered with fondant decoration by Wendy Davies.
Border Ranges lined fern (Antrophyum austroqueenslandicum): Critically endangered due to land clearing, invasive weeds, illegal collection and climate change. Once presumed extinct, it is a biodiversity indicator species for subtropical rainforest microclimates. Chocolate cake filled with finger lime jam, covered in buttercream icing and decorated with fondant and green coloured shredded coconut by Akala Stumkat.
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi): Endangered due to habitat clearing, invasive weeds and tourist disturbance at key breeding site. A unique pollinator in the region, feeding solely on a rare vine species found growing in rich volcanic soils. Nutella filled pastries with Nutella and strawberry decoration by José Gutiérrez with assistance from his preschool son!
Smooth Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia johnsonii) ‘Ooray’ in local Bundjalung/Yugambeh language. Endangered due to land clearing, invasive weeds and illegal wild harvesting. A culturally significant food and resource for local indigenous peoples. Sponge cake with Davidson Plum jam filling and cream cheese icing, topped with chocolate & fruit roll decorations by Zara Monteith

The Threatened Species Bake Off focuses on Australian flora and fauna at the greatest risk of extinction, by baking an edible creation that looks like a threatened or endangered plant or animal as an engaging way to raise awareness and increase knowledge of their whereabouts, habitat needs or threats in order to aid recovery efforts. National Threatened Species Day was Monday 7 September.

For more information, see the DCCEEW website; and for further information on the 110 priority species see the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032.