I recently received a Bonsai as a gift and I am afraid I am such a novice that I may be the death of this once glorious wonder. I like in a how climate (Queensland, Australia) and I need some guidance on the best techniques for Bonsai care, and hopefully someone can shed some light on the species too.

Any help would be very appreciated.

some kind of juniper. but place it outside asap. that being said, put it under decent protection as it is winter now so...
good soil though.

www.bonsai4me.co.uk/SpeciesGuide/Juniperus.html

BonsaiNovice wrote:

I recently received a Bonsai as a gift and I am afraid I am such a novice that I may be the death of this once glorious wonder

I'm not sure what glorious wonder you are referring to, but I'm afraid you're too late: by the looks of it, this cut off branch in a pot has died some time ago already.

www.bonsaidilettante.com/mallsai/

a little help if stuck.

It is also summer not winter in Queensland

It is advisable to fertilize the Bonsai regularly in summer that it grow vigorously. If a Bonsai growing needs are met in terms of water, food, light and fresh air, strong healthy growth will result.