Roger Chao's happy place
My ‘happy place’ is the summit saddle of Mount Speculation, which lies within the Traditional Lands of the Dhudhuroa, Taungurung and Jaithmathang peoples.
When I leave my happy place in the bush, I’m peaceful and relaxed, which I think we all seek as the ultimate state of mind.
I always went there as a kid, and I particularly loved taking walks there. For picnics, our family would drive to the Para Wirra Conservation Park, less than an hour north-east of Adelaide on Peramangk, Ngadjuri and Kaurna Country.
Eye-level with the rough trunks of Xanthorrhoea or a flowering grevillea, I became enamoured by the species found here. The park has evolved over time; restoration sites replaced tennis courts, and now the 1409-hectare protected patch supports spectacular diversity.
In recent years, I’ve helped care for it and support its recovery by volunteering with the ‘Friends of the Para Wirra’ group. Twice a month, we’re out there planting, surveying, maintaining walking trails or implementing weed control. It’s a great opportunity to see more of my happy place – and connect with others who love it too.
Just like the noisy bunch of Babblers (Pomatostomus superciliosus) or skilful White-winged Choughs (Corcorax melanorhamphos) we tend to spot, we’re a lively, inspired group – with a knack for a good morning tea.
I live nearby on a block I’ve been restoring for the past 15 years. My efforts at home, through volunteering for various conservation organisations and, in my professional life, as a wildlife vet nurse, have crystallised how crucial it is that we protect and connect habitat that is still functioning.
Bush Heritage is doing this and has been for years, and it’s one of the reasons I decided to leave a gift in my Will to the organisation. I believe we need to bring more people along with us on the journey of caring for nature. I do this by sharing my happy place with them – where a river winds through the forest and tranquillity meets the mind.
Anita is a lifelong Bush Heritage supporter. Learn more about leaving your legacy to our natural places.
