Protecting the bush and its wildlife through your Will
In your Will you have a rare opportunity to help care for our ancient Australian landscape and its unique animals and plants.
By making a bequest to Bush Heritage, you can play a vital part in the national effort to save 22 million hectares of key habitats, the area considered necessary to protect forever our native species.
If you love the bush, and wish to help protect it beyond your lifetime, please join with us.
Like many other bequest supporters who have chosen to make this very special gift, you’ll be helping ensure that those who follow us will be left with a land that offers them the diversity, beauty and opportunity that we have all enjoyed.
Choosing your bequest
It’s important to seek the advice of a qualified solicitor or trustee when making your Will. The Law Institute or Society in your state or territory can refer you to a solicitor.
Here are some ways in which you can make a bequest to Bush Heritage:
- leave the residue of your estate after specific bequests have been left to family and friends
- leave a nominated portion or a fixed percentage of your estate. This guards against the effects of inflation over time
- leave a specific gift, such as property or shares
Remember to review your Will every few years to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Bequests of land
If you wish to make a gift or bequest of land to Bush Heritage, we recommend that you contact us first to discuss your wishes.
This is not a legal requirement but gives us the opportunity to discuss with you any issues that may arise regarding the future conservation or management of your property. When we are made aware of an impending gift or bequest of land, together we can resolve any anticipated concerns about its future maintenance.
The right wording
Once you have decided on the type of bequest you would like to make, ask your solicitor to draft the appropriate clause.
The following wording is a guide only and is subject to your solicitor's professional legal advice in the preparation of your Will:
"I give, the residue or (percentage) percent of the residue of my estate; or the sum of $(amount); or (specified items) to Bush Heritage Australia (ABN 78 053 639 115) to be held upon Trust and to be applied towards conservation purposes in accordance with the Constitutional objectives of Bush Heritage Australia in its absolute discretion to determine."
To be certain that your bequest reaches us, it is important to use our full legal name ('Bush Heritage Australia') and registered Australian Business Number (ABN).
Bush Heritage Australia is entered on the Register of Environmental Organisations. All donations, bequests and testamentary gifts are credited to Bush Heritage Australia Fund, the public fund maintained by Bush Heritage Australia for its environmental purposes as required by law. Bequests and other testamentary gifts made under a Will are not tax-deductible.
Adding to an existing Will
If your existing Will is satisfactory but you would like to include a bequest to Bush Heritage, you can add a codicil. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as your Will. Always seek legal advice when making any changes to your Will.
Tax issues
Bequests of property to Bush Heritage (including land, buildings, shares) may be exempt from capital gains tax. In some circumstances, there may be tax advantages if you donate property to Bush Heritage during your lifetime rather than bequeathing it through your Will. More about tax concessions.
Please let us know
We understand that making your Will is a very personal matter. But if you have already included Bush Heritage in your Will, or are considering doing so, it is a great help if you let us know. We would like to thank you personally, and this provides the opportunity for you to discuss your wishes with us.
All bequest information passed on to Bush Heritage is held in the utmost confidence.
Further information
If you’d like to discuss your bequest ideas, or advise us of an intended gift, please email us at bequests@bushheritage.org.au or telephone Annie Mayo on (03) 8610 9139.
Your bequest will make a profound and lasting difference to protecting our landscapes and our wildlife for generations to come. Thank you.
Page Last Updated: Wednesday 17 November 2010