Topic:
Fitz-Stirling
Lynette Knapp and Alison Lullfitz walking together on Country
Aunty Lynette Knapp and Dr Alison Lullfitz are colleagues and friends who collaborate on Walking Together, a four year UWA Albany research project. Lynette and Alison are walking and talking together on the bush property where Alison lives beside the Marra (Pallinup River), at Boxwood Hill. Connection to Country is a strong thread in their […]
Committed environment campaigner from beginning
Margaret's journey in environmental advocacy began at Yarrak, her family farm near Kojonup, where her father instilled in her a deep respect for the land.
Habitat plantings bring the birds
From bare paddocks back to bush full of wildlife. In this story, animal ecologist Dr Nic Dunlop explains the rationale behind undertaking high quality ecological restoration.
Nic Dunlop: The power of citizen science
Meet Dr Nic Dunlop, Coordinator of the Citizen Science Program at the Conservation Council of Western Australia. For decades, Nic has used his scientific knowledge to assist and run citizen science projects, mostly involving birds.
Justin Jonson: Leadership in ecological restoration
Listen to Restoration Ecologist Justin Jonson describe his years of work refining the science of restoring habitats and ecological integrity on cleared land.
Eddy and Donna Wajon: Chingarrup Sanctuary
Meet Eddy and Donna Wajon from Chingarrup Sanctuary, the first private property purchased for conservation in the Gondwana Link.
Chingarrup Sanctuary brings life to the land
With the aim to protect and restore biodiversity, in 2002 Eddy and Donna Wajon purchased two properties within the Gondwana Link, including Chingarrup Sanctuary. This property spans 572 hectares near Boxwood Hill, and has become a thriving field studies center, attracting over a thousand visitors and researchers. The couple's efforts to rehabilitate the land include direct seeding and creating habitats for native wildlife, notably Malleefowl, which have established nesting mounds on the property. The sanctuary showcases rich biodiversity, and to date 780 fauna species and 575 plant species have been identified. Eddy and Donna have fostered a community of scientists and nature lovers, sharing their conservation journey and encouraging others to participate in protecting the environment. Their commitment demonstrates that individuals can make significant impacts on conservation, inspiring others to take action for the future of Australia’s unique ecosystems.
Aunty Carol Pettersen shares her connection to Boodja
A Menang-Gnudju Elder, Aunty Carol Pettersen OAM JP has dedicated her life to Indigenous affairs, serving as a Justice of the Peace for 35 years and receiving numerous accolades, including the National NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year in 2008 and a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022. Aunty Carol shares her deep connection to Boodja, or country. She emphasizes the importance of land, where stories of creation are woven into the landscape. Guided by the rhythms of flora and fauna, Aunty Carol learned the wisdom of her ancestors, passing down this knowledge through generations. Despite the challenges posed by colonial policies and environmental changes, she actively participates in land restoration efforts. She has witnessed the revitalization of the landscape and the return of native species, forging a powerful bond between her family and their country. For Aunty Carol, caring for Boodja is not just a duty; it is a source of identity and belonging.
Landcare Family Has Passion for Property
Sylvia Leighton’s journey began in 1965 when her family arrived on a property teeming with native bushland, a stark contrast to the agricultural landscape that emerged through years of clearing. As a child, Sylvia and her siblings were pivotal in clearing and transforming the land to farm sheep, an experience that instilled a profound sense of responsibility within her. "Returning to this farm as an adult felt necessary," she reflects. "I wanted to rebuild the biodiversity we had lost." Alongside her partner Peter, Sylvia is dedicated to rehabilitating Wilyun Pools Farm, nurturing the once threatened ecosystems. They have transformed 110 hectares into thriving wildlife corridors, enriching habitats with over 30 native plant species. "We hope to create a legacy of biodiversity," she explains, acknowledging the intricate dance of nature and the knowledge she has acquired over the years. Sylvia’s collaboration with local Noongar Elders highlights her commitment to understanding and respecting the land’s cultural heritage. Their efforts aim not just for restoration but for sustainable coexistence with the environment, ensuring that future generations inherit a vibrant, healthy landscape. "Our long-term vision is to harmonize food production with ecological integrity," she states, embodying a deep respect for both nature and community.
Lynette Knapp and Alison Lullfitz: Connecting on Country
Lynette Knapp is a Merningar Elder and Adjunct Research Fellow and Dr Alison Lullfitz, is a Research Associate, both at the University of Western Australia.
Yarraweyah Falls Restoration Project
Yarraweyah Falls is a 100 hectare ecological restoration project that is filling a gap for Gondwana Link, in the highly biodiverse Fitz-Stirling area.
Restoration ecologist is a man with a mission
Tash Kneebone from The Southerly charts the state of the Great Southern’s environment and goes one-and-one with local restoration ecologist Justin Jonson.
Nowanup: Healing land, healing people
Under the extraordinary leadership and dedication of Elder Eugene Eades, Nowanup has become a beacon of hope, a force for cross-cultural sharing and a powerful healing place.
Nowanup: Healing country, healing people
This case study from the WA Landcare Network tells the story of the collaboration between the Noongar community and environmental groups that has resulted in Nowanup, a genuinely special place where country is being restored to health and people are coming back to the land.
Giving back to country: Chingarrup Sanctuary
From Green Skills, this film highlights the wonderful environmental restoration and citizen science activities carried at Chingarrup Sanctuary - a 576 hectare bush property near Boxwood Hill, on Western Australia's south coast.
Technology working for wildlife
A Gondwana Link film featuring restoration ecologist Justin Jonson. Justin uses science, technology and heart to direct-seed large areas of cleared land back to bush.
Healing country on the Gondwana Link
From Greening Australia a short film about the restoration of habitat in the shadow of the Stirling Ranges National Park, in partnership with the Nowanup Rangers.
