Cover of Bushtracks Summer 2026 featuring a Red-winged Parrot

When we get the chance to celebrate real wins for nature, we must savour them.

At a time of year when bushfires continue to burn in Victoria and the northern parts of the country experiences record rainfall, flooding and cyclones – there has never been a more critical moment to protect and maintain this country’s irreplaceable and fragile landscapes.

We extend our thoughts and support to all communities impacted by recent destructive weather events. The impacts of climate variability and change remind us that every win we deliver for nature now, vitally contributes to the long-term survival of our native plants and animals. We step into 2026 with ambition bolstered by the remarkable achievements of the year just gone.

In the vast rangelands of Boolcoomatta Reserve, our team recorded more than 250 endangered Plains-wanderers (Pedionomus torquatus) thriving in the open shrublands. Nearby, Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus) continued their remarkable comeback among the rocky outcrops. For me, these stories are living proof that our years of land management are paying off – just like all the articles in this Bushtracks.

On Edgbaston Reserve in Queensland, the tiny, Red-finned Blue-eye fish (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis) continues to persist and breed thanks to our protection of its waterways. Seeing this little battler featured on an Australian postal stamp this year felt like well-earned national recognition.

We’re now halfway through our 2030 Strategy, and our momentum is growing. Despite cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty, you continue to show up for nature. Your generosity has enabled us to protect more land – including our newest acquisition Avocet Nature Refuge. It’s a privilege to know that the incredibly vulnerable and beautiful animals – like the Bridled Nailtail Wallabies (Onychogalea fraenata) – that live here will have three times the protected habitat and be managed as part of our neighbouring Goonderoo Reserve. Once on the brink of extinction, now they’re a symbol of what’s possible!

Across the country – from Eurardy’s recovering wildflower fields in Western Australia to Ediegarrup’s world-class restoration efforts – the message is the same: patient, science-led conservation delivers results.

To everyone who contributes to our momentum – thank you. Your support is protecting the landscapes, species, and stories that define this country.

Here’s to another year of helping nature thrive and to the joy we find along the way.

Yours sincerely,