If you ever feel disheartened about the state of our environment you may feel hopeful to know that all around the countryside landholders are doing amazing things to conserve nature. Such as farmers who re-plant parts of their land, fence off waterways and look after native grasslands & birdlife. The Corangamite CMA do an amazing job of seeking out individuals who are caring for their land and give them extra support to do so through the Coastal Tender and Plains Tender Funding Programs. Here are some of those stories.
Feeling blue, touching green
Feeling blue, touching green from First Ladies – Colleen Hughson on Vimeo.
A farmer finds peace and hope through conservation works on his property, in the face of battles with depression and grief.
Doug Lang, a fifth generation farmer from Ballintore, north of Colac, shares his battle with depression and grief, and the therapeutic benefits of working with Mother Nature. The film captures significant changes in him and his wife’s personal and emotional well-being, and draws synergies between their own survival through the loss of a daughter, and the survival, resilience and abundant return of local birds and plants. Transforming his property was possible through the Australian Government National Landcare Programme funding through the Plains Tender program managed by Corangamite CMA
Farmer to custodian
Farmer to custodian from First Ladies – Colleen Hughson on Vimeo.
In this inspiring clip, Bob Swinburn shares his journey in restoring his property located on the shoreline of the Ramsar listed Lake Connewarre. He shares some of the results he has observed as well as the pride and sense of well-being the work has provided him.
Bob Swinburn, a farmer on the shoreline of the Ramsar listed Lake Connewarre, born on a place with international significance, has created an oasis for the plants and animals over his lifetime. This film captures his personal change from childhood to adulthood, from farmer to custodian, and his great pride in creating a refuge for migratory birds. He is an active participant in the Coastal Tender program managed by Corangamite CMA and funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Programme.
Helping the land to heal
Helping the land to heal from First Ladies – Colleen Hughson on Vimeo.
A husband and wife duo’s natural extension balancing their environmental passion with financial necessities.
Gus Poulston and Louisa-Jane Cunningham have forged a formidable partnership by balancing environmental outcomes with financial requirements on their Shelford property, or as they see it ‘giving something back’. Their extensive work has led to setting seed for native grassland recovery, whilst demonstrating the benefits and possibilities of balancing successful farm life with preserving the environment for future generations. They have been long term participants in the Plains Tender program funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Programme, managed by Corangamite CMA.
A family affair
A family affair from First Ladies – Colleen Hughson on Vimeo.
Three sibling’s story about working together to restore habitat for the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot.
Cath Bell, and her two siblings, have overcome drought and flooding rains, on their Peterborough farm to assist with improving Orange-bellied Parrot habitat on the banks of the Curdies River. The family reflect on past practices, navigating a path forward, whilst balancing productivity, environmental and community needs. By working together they have overcome obstacles creating remarkable outcomes in a unique part of Victoria. Funded by the Corangamite CMA and the Australian Government National Landcare Programme, the project has uncovered a family passion for the environment and brought the community close
From little things, big things grow
From little things, big things grow from First Ladies – Colleen Hughson on Vimeo.
By working together, the partnership between Corangamite CMA and Parks Victoria has strengthened, enabling the increased protection of our national parks along the iconic Great Ocean Road.
The film captures Parks Victoria’s successes and challenges in implementing their duty to protect and native flora and fauna, and exploring what this means as custodians of public land. The project has ensured a long term commitment be made to the successful management of woody weeds in the Great Otway National Park. The partnership model between Corangamite CMA and Parks Victoria, has now been extended to other public land management sectors. The project was possible through five years of Australian Government National Landcare Programme funding, managed through the Corangamite CMA.
Handing down the baton
Handing down the baton from First Ladies – Colleen Hughson on Vimeo.
One family’s generational journey to protect the endangered Corangamite Water Skink.
Lismore farmer, Sandy McBean, shares his family’s commitment to protecting numerous endangered species, namely the Corangamite Water Skink, Brolga and vital wetland habitats. Enhancement of native grasslands, protection of remnant vegetation, and restoration of wetlands over numerous decades has benefited the environment, balanced farm productivity with environmental outcomes, and lead to a richer lifestyle for the McBean family. Sandy, a long time participant of the PlainsTender programme, was funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Programme, managed by Corangamite CMA.