March 2026

Building resilience in the face of disasters

Fires in early 2026 highlighted the increasing pressure nature is under as the climate changes, but also the importance of protecting habitat on private land. Unburned properties can serve as vital refuges in the landscape, and the care and dedication of landholders will help nature recover. 

In this issue of the Conservation Bulletin, we journey across Victoria to meet landholders, volunteers and supporters who are doing just that.

We talk to Julie Cameron, founder of Meredith Dairy, about the extraordinary recovery of habitat after she and her family protected it. And we meet Melissa Ainsworth in Gippsland, who with the assistance of our Landholder Support Program improved habitat on her property. Our Landholder Support Program is now available statewide – find out how to get involved here.

We put the spotlight on some of our reserves, including Mount Elephant, an amazing piece of Victoria’s volcanic heritage, and Ralph Illidge Sanctuary, a precious remnant of the forests that once covered the state’s south west. We meet the volunteers who have cared with such dedication for these special places for decades.

Finally, we journey to the Wimmera, to see the spectacular success of the Bank Australia conservation reserve, and learn about this unique project’s role in protecting the critically endangered South East Red-tailed Black-cockatoo.