Gang-gangs, Australia’s smallest black-cockatoos, have declined dramatically over the past two decades, particularly since the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires which burned one third of their habitat. They are now recognised as nationally endangered, and climate change is fueling the increased risk of fires.
“We had never noticed their calls before and the fact they turned up was just one of the many signs that we were meant to be here. Those very same Gang-gangs now call our forest home and, whenever we hear them, we can’t help but smile.”
Jezz and Christa had been searching for six months when in 2022 they found their dream property at Hedley on Gunaikurnai Country in the Strzelecki Ranges. The 20 ha property is covered in tall eucalypt forest. Large old trees provide vital hollows for the Gang-gangs.
“We were searching all over Australia for six months and focussing on outback South Australia and Queensland. Then, Christa literally had a dream about Wilson’s Promontory, one of our favourite places in the world, and the very next day our dream property found us.”
The couple had transformed their previous property at Gembrook into a native garden, nursery and veggie patch, and were looking to restore damaged farmland. But the property’s remnant forest means they can concentrate growing and planting for others: Christa grows native seedlings for Landcare and TreeProject.
When they heard about conservation covenants, it was an easy decision to get in touch with Trust for Nature to protect their property forever. Their covenant helps connect other areas of habitat across the landscape. Compared to other regions of Australia, the Strzelecki Ranges are not well-protected.
When they heard about conservation covenants, it was an easy decision to get in touch with Trust for Nature to protect their property forever. Their covenant helps connect other areas of habitat across the landscape. Compared to other regions of Australia, the Strzelecki Ranges are not well-protected.
“All we ever wanted was to protect and care for our land the best way possible for as long as possible.”
While the habitat is in excellent condition, Blackberry and Sweet Pittosporum have invaded part of the forest, and Jezz and Christa are looking for the most environmentally friendly way to control these weeds. At the moment, it means a true labour of love.
“We love every single thing about nature and are so grateful to have been given an opportunity to look after our tiny patch of paradise for future generations,” says Jezz.
