Covenantor

Trish and Trevor O’Brien

Protecting ponds and connecting with nature in Gippsland

Trish O’Brien and her partner Trevor were looking for somewhere to reconnect with the natural world when they found their property, Stringybark Ponds, at Stockdale on Gunaikurnai Country. And the place they found was truly special.

As Trish says, “You wake up in the morning and there’s wallabies in your front yard or a wombat eating your veggie garden or beautiful bowerbirds all over your front patio.”  Growing up in the country, Trish discovered the wonders of nature at an early age and has carried that passion with her, as well as a growing desire to do what she could to conserve it.  

In 2023, Trish and Trevor purchased the 55 ha property at Stockdale through Trust for Nature’s Revolving Fund. Properties that are of high conservation significance are purchased through the fund and then protected with a conservation covenant, creating a permanent sanctuary for wildlife. Proceeds from the sale are returned to the fund to protect more habitat forever. 

Trust for Nature identified Trish’s property especially for its rare and beautiful chain of ponds habitat. These wetlands consist of deep pools separated by dry channels that only flow after heavy rainfall and provide essential habitat for aquatic species.

Once common across south east Australia, they have become very rare due to the impacts of agriculture and development. Trust for Nature has been able to secure and improve the health of the ponds through the Protecting Our Ponds project. 

Although previously degraded, since it was protected Trish’s property is recovering spectacularly, aided by Trish and Trevor’s dedication. Fire management, spraying for weeds, fixing fences and tree planting are some of the regular maintenance activities. 

“It sounds terrible, but it’s actually not that much,” Trish says. “You get used to it and you come to accept that that’s what has to be done, and it’s not that hard.” 
For Trish, the protection of the conservation covenant provides peace of mind. 

“It means that I can confidently have an idea in my mind about how I want to build it and have something that’s put aside for other people in the future. Maybe it’s not my family, maybe it’s just somebody else who gets to enjoy what’s been kept. I don’t know what nature will do, but we’ve given it the best shot and it’s protected from what humans might do. That’s pretty amazing.” 

As an artist, Trish finds inspiration and contentment in walking around the property and experiencing all its sights, smells and sounds. 

“It’s like meditation. Suddenly, you feel this beautiful letting go and can hear the birds, frogs, nature, and bugs. It’s very still and you just kind of all of a sudden feel that oneness; you know that you’re part of something else that’s bigger than you, and all the other stuff goes away. It’s just that feeling at peace, that I think is my favorite.” 

The Protecting our Ponds project is supported by Trust for Nature through funding from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, Our Communities Program.