Carolyn Hall reflects on a transformative quarter and calls for action as we approach EOFY.
Dear Valued Members and Friends,
Mulloon Institute is in the best shape it has ever been. I believe our Founders and our late Chairman would be especially proud of our recent efforts to align ourselves behind a unanimously supported strategic plan, and now to win the grant funding and partnership funds to deliver that strategic plan. At this stage of the Institute’s evolution, and in a climate where philanthropy in Australia remains modest due to global challenges, this $16 million in forward funding ensures we can continue our work while our for-purpose businesses grow.
I want to confirm that our successful grant applications have been carefully targeted to align with our strategic objectives and the outcomes outlined in our strategic plan. It’s important to note that grants are competitive, independently assessed, and awarded based on clear, rigorous criteria. They are thoroughly quality-tested and governed by strict budget and implementation requirements. By contrast, philanthropy – while also valuable and often just as competitive – is less predictable, often influenced by the preferences of individual donors or charities. That said, we’ve secured nearly $300,000 in philanthropic funding this year
Grants may seem mysterious, but they are hard-won and require significant effort. Mulloon Institute is held to a high level of scrutiny in how public funds are spent, ensuring accountability and transparency. In Australia, grants are a way for policy to come alive so when we think of efforts by the Australian Government to meet the challenges of drought and climate change and soil health, policies like the National Soil Strategy are key. How does government turn policy into on-ground action? Via the National Soil Action Plan, associated research and development, and education and capacity building delivered by collaboration and via government funding and support from the Natural Heritage Trust and Future Drought Fund.
Mulloon Institute enjoys strong recognition from the Australian Government for its technical expertise in designing and delivering natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions for landscape rehydration, our ability to think and act at scale, our exceptionally strong education and capacity building programs, and our collaboration.
We acknowledge we certainly still have challenges and a key one of those is continuing to implement regenerative practices on the Home Farm and Duralla. Increased financial success of the expanded egg enterprise – a key element of Tony and Toni Coote’s vision to fund the Institute – can now support this important next stage. We are going through a farm planning process with Mulloon Creek Natural Farms and the Mulloon teams in August – we are all excited about this process! Resourcing and reinvesting in our farms and bringing additional human resources in regenerative agriculture to support are key priorities for us.
Our Shared Vision in Action
Mulloon Institute’s path forward has always been guided by our Strategic Plan – documents created through thoughtful collaboration with staff, members, and our board. These plans aren’t just paperwork; they’re our compass, providing clear direction for our team’s efforts and ensuring we stay true to our collective vision.
It’s important to note that every Strategic Plan, including our current 2025-2028 roadmap, has received unanimous board endorsement – including from our Chair. For details, please reference the Executive Summary provided at our 26 March AGM.
Delivering Exceptional Results
As CEO, I’ve pursued funding opportunities that directly support our strategic objectives. I’m proud to share that we’ve secured approximately $16 million in grants and sponsorships during a challenging period for Australian philanthropy. This significant achievement has enabled the Institute to:
- support farmers with critical on-ground works
- expand our Learning Programs to reach more communities
- develop an innovative First Nations Water Stewardship program
- create a practical Landscape Function Toolkit (LiFT) for farmers
- plan delivery of four sub catchment projects and on-ground works at the Home Farm and support of the MRI research program.
Mulloon Institute has earned its reputation through consistent delivery of measurable results that tangibly benefit Australian farmers while advancing environmental and social outcomes. Our growing international recognition reflects the quality of our work and has built confidence among major funders including the Australian Government and The Ian Potter Foundation, who continue to entrust us with resources for landscape rehydration initiatives.
Mulloon Consulting has also been building a strong pipeline of forward works with various clients including corporates.
Mulloon Creek Natural Farms has turned a corner after the flood event on Boxing Day 2023 and is producing good profits every single month. This cashflow has enabled us to steadily scale up our regenerative farming activities. We are also in negotiation with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to progress an agreement that would see significant annual funding for the Home Farm in perpetuity to contribute to conservation outcomes.
I remain committed to transparency and our shared mission. I welcome the opportunity to discuss our progress.
Thank you all for your ongoing support of Mulloon Institute. Please remember us when you are considering your end of financial year giving.
Best Wishes,
Carolyn Hall
CEO, Managing Director
Donations Welcome
At this critical juncture, I encourage you all to consider a donation to Mulloon Institute to help us continue this important work which began under the guidance of our Founders, Tony and Toni Coote.
Click on photos to enlarge - conferences, learning programs, learning videos go international
