After some further investigation, Tuesday discovered not only the rich biodiversity of the land—home to hundreds of nesting turtles, Brolgas, platypus, echidnas and more than 130 species of birds that come and go—but that it is also culturally significant, a burial ground for the local indigenous people, and a part of the Murray River corridor.
“It’s a botanical delight,” Tuesday said. “A really special place. So, I decided I had to buy it and protect it.”
Tuesday purchased the 35 ha property and placed a conservation covenant on the land through Trust for Nature.
“I was looking for some way to protect it beyond me,” she said. “Because I realised that once I didn’t own it, these magnificent trees could be cut down and then the history is gone forever.”
Since buying the land almost 30 years ago, Tuesday has garnered all the help she can to manage it, tirelessly trying to protect turtle nests from foxes, propagating the sandalwoods (there are now 30), and ‘tree necklacing’ to safeguard new vegetation from kangaroos and rabbits—a process of surrounding saplings with branches and sticks to deter the animals.
“Honestly, it’s a constant challenge,” Tuesday said about protecting the flora and fauna on the property where she lives with her partner Harry. “It’s hard work and it’s difficult to get help. At the end of the day, I’m buggered.”
But despite this, the dedicated environmentalist said it’s not only worth it, but it’s essential.
“We really do need to save these little wild places, because they all play a part in the larger scheme of things,” she said. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. There’s a great sense of peace here, and that we’re doing something good.”