Invited by Michael Andrews, Bundanon’s Natural Resources Manager, we were welcomed with generosity and a moving smoking ceremony from Bob, a First Nations Burrawong dhunna gam waglpa man.
The ever‑engaging Clarence Slockee guided the day with warmth and humour, making everyone feel at ease.
This year’s theme, Hidden Messages from the Shoalhaven’s Ecologies, brought together leading scientists, landscape managers and cultural practitioners to share insights “from bees and bristlebirds to moss, wombats and water” — exploring the deep connections between species, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge.
Pictured top right of page: from L-R Clarence Slockee, Nolani McColl, Erin Healy and Bill Gammage standing together in front of the Shoalhaven River.
Pictured right: Erin Healy’s presentation on community-led water stewardship.
Erin Healy, Environmental Engineer and Program Manager at Mulloon Institute, presented Restoring Landscapes with Community‑led Water Stewardship, weaving in the dynamics of feedback loops and tipping points that shape community momentum in restoration. She also shared the success of the Communities of Practice approach across the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative, the Communities of Practice Project, and our new partnership with WaterNSW.
With blue skies overhead, delicious local catering, and the chance to join bushwalks and birdwatching, the day was as nourishing for the spirit as it was for the mind. Highlights included meeting specialists in wombats, koalas, mosses, and native bees, and conversations with Bill Gammage — author of The Biggest Estate on Earth — and his wife Jan, about landscape function and the profound land‑use changes of the past two centuries.
A heartfelt thanks to Andrew and Millie for being such generous hosts and for the opportunity to be part of this special gathering at Bundanon.
The Water Stewardship Program is supported by funding from WaterNSW and The Ian Potter Foundation.
Click on photos to enlarge. 1) What a backdrop!! 2) The famous wombats of Bundanon
