Mulloon Institute
For Environment, Farming and Society
Mulloon Institute is a not-for-profit, research, education and advocacy organisation that was established in 2011 by Founders Tony Coote AM and his wife, Toni Coote. We are recognised globally as a demonstrator of sustainable agriculture and environmental regeneration through landscape rehydration and restoration. We believe the long-term sustainability of both agriculture and the environment requires balance and working together in unison.
By demonstrating innovative land management approaches, we create healthier landscapes with more resilience to climatic extremes. By supporting transformational change in the way landscapes are managed, our work benefits Australia’s farmers and communities and ultimately our planet.
Mulloon Institute delivers and achieves real change through our strategic collaborative partnerships and strong educational resources that build capacity.
Founders
Antony Coote AM
BSC. MBA
Tony Coote founded Mulloon Institute in 2011 with his wife Toni, to demonstrate and share innovative approaches to regenerative land management in Australia. He began purchasing the land making up Mulloon Creek Natural Farms in 1968 with his sister. Tony served for many years as Executive Chairman of Angus & Coote (Holdings) Ltd and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988, for services to industry and the community.
Toni Coote
With a strong business background in hospitality in the Canberra region, Toni Coote (nee Dale) established The Carrington Inn in Bungendore as a renowned conference, wedding and fine dining restaurant complex. Toni was instrumental in establishing Mulloon Institute and provided support and advice to the Institute and to Mulloon Creek Natural Farms, and served on several industry and community boards.
Tony and Toni Coote
Tony and Toni sadly passed away in August 2018 and November 2018 respectively, leaving behind them a wonderful legacy.
The Hon. Gary Nairn AO
chairman 2018-2023
Inaugural Board director 2011-2024
In 1996, Gary Nairn was elected as the federal member for Eden-Monaro in New South Wales and left the Australian Parliament in 2007. During his time in the Howard Government, Gary served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and as Special Minister of State. Gary served as the Chair on Parliamentary Committees, including the 2003 House of Representatives Select Committee into Australian bushfires.
Prior to entering Parliament, Gary was the Managing Director of his own surveying and mapping practice in Darwin. After his time in Parliament, Gary’s appointments included Chairman of Mulloon Institute, National Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award-Australia, Chairman of the Northern Territory Planning Commission, and Chairman of the CSDILA International Advisory Committee.
Sadly, Gary passed away in June 2024 following a courageous battle with cancer.
“At Mulloon Institute, we have a landscape rehydration and regeneration strategy to not only address this issue, but in doing so, help deliver potentially substantial financial returns for Australian agriculture and Australian farmers. Key to carbon sequestration is water. A hydrated landscape will speed up carbon sequestration.”
Gary Nairn
Tony’s vision on film
REHYDRATING THE LANDSCAPE
Founder of Mulloon Institute, Tony Coote, speaks about repairing and rehydrating his farm to bring it back to fertility and stability. Video thanks to Eco Films Australia.
TONY COOTE – SOILS FOR LIFE CASE STUDY
A new way of farming which boosted productivity by 60 percent has been adopted by an entire catchment measuring 23,000 hectares near Canberra. Video from Soils for Life, an Outcomes Australia Project.