Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this site may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.
The sun had just started to dip as I reached Naree Station Reserve, about two hours’ drive north-west of Bourke in New South Wales on Budjiti Country. It was November and, with reserve staff, we were building a case to acquire the neighbouring property Nil Desperandum.
As a team, looking over Naree’s fence and across Cuttaburra Channel country, we spoke of the vital chance to further protect this precious freshwater system and one of the least-disturbed parts of the Murray–Darling Basin. Our supporters shared that vision.
Before the homestead, we stopped at ‘the bird nursery’. Out in the open, a choir of hundreds of migratory birds sung, absorbing all other sounds. It was a moment of total sensory immersion in nature. Once again, I was inspired by the power of Bush Heritage supporters. Thank you – your commitment to ‘healthy Country, protected forever’ allows biodiversity’s many songs to continue across millions of hectares.
After a successful fundraising campaign, we protected Nil Desperandum, a huge win for all those connected to this landscape and its waters.
In 2024-25, you also stood up for another connective parcel of land – Dodgey Downs in south-west Western Australia on Goreng Noongar Country. Despite its name, you backed us when we promised that there’s nothing dodgy about the wins for biodiversity we can achieve at this reserve under our management. We’ve begun landscape-scale connectivity planning for this reserve and expect it will take at least two years for enough seed to be available for the scale of revegetation we have planned. It promises to be a tremendously exciting journey that I look forward to sharing with you.
This year wasn’t just about our 2030 Strategy’s goal to double the amount of land we actively protect by the close of the decade. We kicked significant goals in our commitment to deepening our impact: building stronger partnerships with Traditional Custodians and farmers, contributing to scientific knowledge, and by connecting more people with our purpose. And, through our year-on-year active management of fires, ferals and weeds, we sustained the health of our reserves’ diverse ecosystems.
As you read this report, I want to remind you that none of these timely wins for nature would have happened without you – they are yours to celebrate. Over the past twelve months, floods, fires and storms have been felt across the country, including our reserves and on partners’ lands, reminding us of the urgency of our work and the need to adapt to achieve impact at scale.
One such innovation is a federally funded science project under the Game Changers program. Spearheaded by Dr James Smith, Senior Ecologist North, the project will develop the sector’s humane response to the growing threat of invasive cat predation through harnessing technology. Guided by rigorous science, this project reflects the bold moves we’re making to tackle the complex threats facing our native species.
Under the climate and biodiversity crises, working with partners to extend our impact beyond our reserves’ boundaries is more important than ever.
This year, our Agriculture and Natural Capital team developed a strategy to sharpen our focus in these sectors, building on the work we are already doing to support biodiversity in our ‘Priority Landscapes’. We also continued to grow our reputation as a trusted partner for landholders wishing to understand and enhance nature on agricultural lands.
A standout example of our commitment to right-way land management and partnerships with Traditional Custodians was the launch of the Wurreka Galkangu Shared Strategic Landscape Plan 2024-2034, codesigned with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA). Held at Bellair Reserve on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in north-west Victoria, the plan was proudly endorsed by both parties, which will bring about enduring outcomes for Country and people.
At a time when cost-of-living pressures continue to mount, you stood by us. Your generosity enabled us to report modest financial growth in 2024-25, holding us in a strong position to continue implementing the 2030 Strategy.
Looking ahead, we remain powered by science and driven by purpose. We’ll continue to deepen our impact, keep safety and wellbeing for staff a top priority, carefully expand our reserve network, and pursue blended finance opportunities to deliver the strongest conservation outcomes.
To everyone who brings our ambitious goals to life – our Board, committees, staff, partners, volunteers and supporters – thank you. Our impact is indebted to your dedication, which sparks hope for so many irreplaceable landscapes across the country.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Lowry, CEO
As part of our commitment to sustainability and paperless communication, we’ve reduced the number of printed Impact Report copies.
You can download a full, print-ready PDF of our Impact Report 2024-25 below, including our financial statements and auditor’s report.
Archived copies of Annual Reports and Financial Reports from past years are also available.
