Bushtracks Winter 2026

For more than 10 years, among the spinifex and red sands of Pullen Pullen Reserve, our ecologists have been caring for and learning about one of Australia’s most elusive species – the Night Parrot. 

Throughout this time, they’ve monitored population growth, signifying the positive impact of our long-term presence and management in the landscape. Within this Bushtracks is a reflection on a decade at Pullen Pullen, which became Queensland’s first-ever Special Wildlife Reserve in 2020. 

In our story, ‘Pilungah protected forever’, we share with excitement another one of our reserves achieving this status. This secures the safest possible legislative future for Pilungah’s ecological and cultural values. 

A further celebration of our impact that is now visible to the human eye can be found about three hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne on Dja Dja Wurrung Country at Buckrabanyule Reserve. Here, with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation we’ve co-developed an effective method to control introduced Wheel Cactus. 

Recently returning to this reserve, it was deeply satisfying to witness the progress made to control this weed, all while bringing health back to a culturally significant site for Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Custodians. 

Thinking about the lasting conservation impact at Pullen Pullen, Pilungah and Buckrabanyule makes me incredibly excited to see what our work could bring to other horizons, namely Wanarra. Our campaign continues to purchase and begin protecting this vast landscape in the Mid West of Western Australia. 

A wildflower haven, our ecologists and field staff are eager to find out what other native plants and animals reside here, while employing best-practice conservation to protect them. 

We gratefully thank those who’ve already backed our connective vision for this landscape. 

Energised by your support, we hope the stories in this edition leave you inspired by the momentum we’re carrying toward an optimistic 2030 and the future beyond it. 

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Lowry, Chief Executive Officer