Holding strong for the bush

Impact Report 2019–2020 Contents

2  From our CEO and President 4  Where we work 6  By the numbers 8 Conservation impact report 10 Landscape-scale conservation 14 Science and knowledge 18 Engage and inspire 22 Resilience and capability 26 From our Treasurer and CFO 28 Acknowledgements 32 Directors’ Report 38 Financial Report 48 What’s next?

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the places in which we live, work and play. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waters, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

2 Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau) on Gaambera country in the north-west Kimberley region of WA. Photo by Mark Jones With a changing climate, there is On a personal note this year marks Finding strength no doubt that more unprecedented A cause for reflection the end of my nine years of service events lie ahead. But in some on the Board and several years on ways, I have never been more subsidiary committees. in community hopeful. The recent bushfire Bush Heritage enters its thirtieth year in 2021 One is often asked the motivation crisis proved that in tough times, and finds itself in its strongest ever financial and for taking on such responsibilities our community is strong. And and in this case the answer is easy. What a year this has been. Twelve months ago, as I watched new green shoots operational condition, having enjoyed outstanding Nature provides a sense of wonder it would have been hard to imagine that we would push through burnt soil, I was support from volunteers, staff and donors both and cause for reflection on what our reminded that the bush, like us, be where we are today, recovering from the most local and international, and ably led by our dedicated quality of life will be if we continue is resilient and adaptive. Where devastating bushfire season in Australia’s history management team and CEO Heather Campbell. to abuse it. while navigating a global pandemic. things are changing, our scientists are finding new and innovative Some 2.5 percent of charitable responses to be proactive in the donations in Australia go to face of the future. environmental causes. Yet nature assists mental wellbeing, is This is what sustains me as crucial for pollination, cleans our I look to the year ahead: the It has been strange, to say the least, I also reflected on the importance Given the trifecta of drought, Field work is now underpinned waterways, provides recreation and commitment, passion, knowledge but certainly not without joy. of listening. It is through listening bushfires and COVID-19, Bush by a right-way science approach, medicines and is an inherent part of this year that I have been able to and strength of our community. Heritage has had to address many such as in our fire management From standing on Budjiti country at traditional cultures. To play a small maintain a strong sense of hope For this, I thank you. challenges, anticipated - as in policies which have gained our Naree Station Reserve in New part in protecting nature for future for our natural world and its bushfires - and also unanticipated - international recognition. We also South Wales during a dry flood Your support of Bush Heritage generations is immensely rewarding wondrous . as in the unbelievable ferocity and extended our deep engagement as the birds flocked and the earth assures me that together, we can in and of itself. continue to keep healthy Country, range of those bushfires. with Traditional Owners. drank; to being on I have witnessed how our staff Bush Heritage is actively planning protected forever. in far north Queensland and across the country have a long- The team has been adaptable, Equally as heartening is the for an exciting future and I wish my witnessing the infinite love the Hales term commitment to conservation Heather Campbell flexible and uncomplaining in expansion of our supporter base to successor, Sue O’Connor, as much family has of that landscape – I have that extends far beyond a job. I CEO managing these challenges and for over 36,000 as we successfully grow satisfaction as I have enjoyed in been very fortunate in my first full have seen how the goodwill and that we are deeply indebted to them. our Bush Heritage community. being part of its progress. year with Bush Heritage. passion of our volunteers and Our reserves and partnerships have At the Board level we welcomed supporters enables us to achieve Chris Grubb On country in the seen pioneering work in areas such Wangkamadla woman and long-lasting change. And I have President Kimberley, I joined our newest as species adaptability to climate barrister Avelina Tarrago, and been guided by the experience Aboriginal partners as they change at Nardoo Hills Reserve in added Christine Sather, Graham of our Board and, of course, our generously shared their stories and Victoria, carbon credit generation Lowe and Trevor Heldt to our outgoing President Chris Grubb, culture. I was reminded of their with our 1 Million Tree project committees. We also farewelled who after nine years is leaving deep, enduring connection to the at in Western Peter Pekham, Sandra Davey, the remarkable legacy of a strong land, the knowledge they hold and Australia and seed harvesting Leanne Liddle and Sarah Legge, all future for conservation. why it is so important that we work at Carnarvon Station Reserve of whom contributed valuable time together, the right way. in Queensland. and expertise to Bush Heritage.

2 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 3 Where we work

Since the purchase of Bush Heritage’s first reserves in the Liffey Valley of almost 30 years ago, we have expanded both our approach and our reach. In addition to our 36 reserves, we safeguard landscapes and species through 25 Aboriginal partnerships and nine regional partnerships as listed on pp. 30-31 Arafura Swamp

of this report. By working with others, we are Darwin Warddeken achieving so much more. Wunambal Mimal Gaambera

Olkola Fan Palm Waanyi Garawa Yourka

Karajarri

Cravens Peak Edgbaston

Ethabuka Pullen Goonderoo Reedy Creek Pullen Birriliburu Carnarvon

Hamelin B

Eurardy Currumbin Naree Valley Gunduwa Arid Recovery Yantabulla Charles Darwin Bon Bon Nantawarrina

P Boolcoomatta Mawonga Yarraweyah Falls C S Kojonup Beringa Scottsdale ‘Nameless’ Sylvan A Tarcutta Hills Burrin Burrin Chereninup Creek Nardoo Hills Upper Murrumbidgee Monjebup, Chingarrup John Brogo Demonstration Reach Red Moort Colahan Griffin M 11.3 million hectares RESERVES

Is the total area of land that ABORIGINAL PARTNERSHIPS South Esk Pine REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Liffey we protect or help manage. Valley Friendly Beaches Tasmanian It comprises 1.2 million hectares Midlandscapes H permanently protected through our reserves and 10.1 million hectares that we help protect through our partnerships.

8 Karajarri Ranger Marissa Munro line fishing on country. Photo by William Marwick

4 5 Your impact at a glance

45.4 million tonnes Of carbon stock is protected on our 36 reserves.

Have been recorded on our reserves 6700 native species and our partners’ lands.

Are found on our reserves and on our partners’ 226 threatened species lands, including 75 endangered species.

With 25 universities and 24 research organisations 65 science projects are helping us better understand and care for the landscapes and species we protect.

Are delivering conservation, cultural and 25 Aboriginal partnerships socioeconomic outcomes across Australia.

Are being advanced through our work, as 8 United Nations Sustainable depicted by icons throughout this report. Development Goals

6 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 7 Conservation Threat ratings

impact report Threat ratings* are determined using three criteria: scope, severity and irreversibility. The ultimate measure of our impact is whether the health of our ecological and cultural targets is improving. In order to achieve that, we first need Current Change over time to identify and manage, reduce or eliminate threats to those targets. This process takes time, and, for some threats such as feral cats, is unending. 2

0 9

9

2  INCREASED

 UNCHANGED

     LOW MEDIUM HIGH VERY HIGH REDUCED

Target health

These ratings* are based on the health status of key ecological and cultural targets on our reserves.

Creating change Current Change over time

Identify targets Identify threats Monitor, Reduce severity Improve health  to those targets evaluate and adapt of threats of targets IMPROVED management  UNCHANGED

    11  POOR FAIR GOOD VERY WORSENED GOOD

2 Many hollow-bearing trees were lost in the blaze that consumed most of Bush Heritage’s Burrin Burrin Reserve, NSW, in late 2019. Surveys are currently being undertaken to determine the impact of the fire * T hese figures compare each target or threat rating from the time we acquired a reserve to current on the resident Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) population. Photo by Doug Gimesy/naturepl.com status and only include those ratings for which we have adequate data.

8 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 9 Theme 1 Landscape-scale conservation management Recovering from Australia’s worst ever fire season From the pristine beaches of the Kimberley to The Black Summer of 2019–2020 was devastating for Australian people the wet eucalypt of Tasmania, we are and wildlife alike. The bushfires conserving Australia’s magnificent native species affected seven of Bush Heritage’s 36 and irreplaceable landscapes on a vast scale. reserves, with two of the most severely impacted being Scottsdale and Burrin Burrin in NSW. Thanks to our donors, we were able to respond to these events quickly and effectively. At Scottsdale, Ngunnawal country, volunteers removed melted tree guards from thousands of fire-affected seedlings to give them the best chance of recovery. We have also been doing weed and feral animal control, and working with our partners along the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach to control erosion that threatens the health of native fish, Platypus and crays. On Burrin Burrin, the traditional land of Ngunnawal, Ngarigo, Walbanga, Ngambri and Walgalu people, we undertook a fire intensity survey and worked with owners of the neighbouring Sharewater property, Bidda Jones and Julian Davies, to put out supplementary feeders and water points for animals. We also set up remote sensing cameras to monitor feral animal activity, and have been 25,290 hectares keeping a close eye on the local Greater Glider population. Shortly, were impacted by we’ll commence surveys to determine their presence, distribution and the bushfires on Bush number of hollow-bearing trees left on the reserve. Heritage reserves 7 About 95 percent of Burrin Burrin Reserve in NSW during the Black was burnt during the North Black Range fire in late November 2019. Photo by Amelia Caddy Summer. 1 A melted tree guard around a fire-affected seedling on . Photo by Amelia Caddy

10 11 Supporting Karajarri women to care for country In 2019, Bush Heritage partnered with the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association to help protect more than 2.48 million hectares in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, with a focus on the Karajarri Women Rangers program. The program is paving the way for more Aboriginal women to be involved in caring for country. Last year, the women rangers Simon Cameron is the owner of led monitoring on the intertidal Kingston, a Merino wool-growing Protecting native bush Our biggest ever reef zone (a culturally significant farm in the northern Midlands on working farms revegetation project activity for Karajarri women), worked of Tasmania. alongside universities to record A new round of stewardship Last year, Bush Heritage began migratory shorebird species at Eighty “Kingston is a pretty small enterprise agreements signed in 2019 increased restoring its Eurardy Reserve Mile Beach and spent eight days in as far as farms go. It has been a tough the amount of land protected in in Western Australia with more the desert surveying mammals and journey finding a way to make the Tasmania through the Midlands than 1 million trees and shrubs. reptiles in the Edgar Ranges. They farm viable, sustainable and credible. Conservation Fund (MCF) by 60 The 30,050-hectare reserve on also assisted their male counterparts The Midlands Conservation Fund’s percent, to more than 7300 hectares. Nanda country protects York Gum with fire management, feral animal (MCF) recognition of the farm’s With wide, grassy valley floors and and Kwongan heathlands, control and seed collecting. natural values is helping to achieve fertile soils, the Tasmanian Midlands ecosystems that have been largely all three. were one of the first parts of Australia cleared for agriculture across the rest to be developed for agriculture. But of the state. Over the next 10 years, What makes Kingston so precious? today, less than 10 percent of their we will revegetate 1350 hectares Tough question. It’s the location, original vegetation remains. The of Eurardy that were cleared prior the omnipresence of Stacks Bluff MCF is a joint initiative by Bush to Bush Heritage’s purchase of the in the background, the native Heritage and the Tasmanian Land reserve. Thanks to our project partner, , which are likely the Conservancy that offers Midlands the Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund, Bush Heritage last valley floor example of native farmers annual stewardship payments 36,000 seedlings were planted last grasslands in the whole region, the for the protection of remnant native year, and another 187,000 are due is supporting the peacefulness, the air… grasslands, woodlands and to go in the ground this winter. The inclusion of so much of on their land. protection of 5.64 Kingston, more than half, in the million hectares MCF illustrates that there are people 1 who support what I am doing. Much Planters from the Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund of the funding for environmental put seedlings in the ground on Eurardy Reserve, in WA’s pristine WA, as part of the 1 Million Tree project. Photo by conservation focuses on regeneration Amelia Caddy Kimberley region or remedial work, meaning those who put in the hard yards to protect through partnerships their land in the first place have been largely ignored. The MCF has Challenges with Karajarri, Bunuba changed that.” Bushfires exacerbate threats Supporting right-way fire and Wunambal Aside from the immediate impacts Travel restrictions to Aboriginal Gaambera. of bushfires, existing threats can communities due to COVID-19 be compounded. Feral cat, fox and limited our ability to support pig numbers have the potential to partners on the ground this increase, erosion along waterways year during the early dry season is often exacerbated and weeds burning period. Many ranger have new opportunities to groups continued with their fire invade. We are increasing efforts management in smaller groups, 7 to monitor and address these either with on-ground support The Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area in WA threats after the Black Summer from Bush Heritage staff or encompasses 2.48 million hectares of jurarr fires as part of our comprehensive remote technical support via (coastal areas) and pirra (inland areas). Photo bushfire recovery plans. UHF radios, phone, email and by William Marwick video conferencing. 1 Tasmanian Midlands superfine-wool grower Simon Cameron. Photo by Matt Newton

12 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 13 Theme 2 Science and knowledge

Our work is underpinned by right-way science Planting for a hotter, and knowledge. As well as conducting our own drier future research, we collaborate with Traditional Owners, In many parts of Australia, the universities and other institutions to expand our climate is changing faster than our knowledge base. native trees can adapt. Over the past five to 10 years, about 100 hectares of Grey Box and Yellow Box trees collapsed on our Nardoo Hills Reserve, Dja Dja Wurrung country, in north-central Victoria. The dieback events occurred after severe heatwaves during periods of intense drought, spurring Bush Heritage to commence an innovative climate- ready revegetation experiment. In 2019, over 9000 Grey Box and Yellow Box seedlings germinated from seeds collected at different locations across south-eastern Australia were planted on our Nardoo Hills Reserve. The collection locations were chosen using climate modelling that pinpointed regions with climates analogous to the hotter, drier climate that is predicted for the Nardoo Hills region in 30-70 years’ time, based on two different emissions scenarios. Over the coming decades, we will +2.5°C, -20% RF by track and compare the survival rates of the propagated plants, with the expectation that the plants from 2090 are the forecast hotter, drier regions will cross- pollinate with local trees to produce changes to the average an increasingly genetically-diverse that is more resilient to maximum temperature Victoria’s changing climate. The project will inform future and yearly rainfall for revegetation options at Nardoo Hills, 1 and provide information and a model Bush Heritage Senior Ecologist for South East for similar revegetation projects (in Australia, Dr Matt Appleby, carries seedlings the Nardoo Hills region the face of climate change) elsewhere ready for planting on Nardoo Hills Reserve, Vic. Photo by Amelia Caddy based on Bureau of in Australia. 2 Bush Heritage acknowledges the The revegetation area on Nardoo Hills Reserve, support of its volunteers and our project Vic. Photo by Glen Norris Meteorology modelling. partners, environmental not-for-profit Greenfleet and Arborline Nursery.

14 15 250-500 Captive-bred Red-finned Blue-eye fish on Right-way science continue to breed, with the population In early 2020, Bush Heritage’s board having approximately doubled since approved taking a right-way science approach to everything we do. For the program’s inception in 2018 many years now, collaborations with Aboriginal people have with 180 fish. formed a core part of our work and today Bush Heritage has 25 Aboriginal partnerships both on and off its reserves. The right-way Captive recovery Improving detection science approach provides us with a framework for fostering respect and The world’s only wild populations of Plains-wanderers recognition of Aboriginal cultures Solomon O’Ryan is a Senior Ranger of Red-finned Blue-eye fish are set Almost by definition, critically and knowledge in all aspects of with the Arafura Swamp Rangers to get a boost later this year when endangered species are hard to our work across Australia. It is an Aboriginal Corporation who are fish from captive-bred populations find and monitor and the cryptic acknowledgement that by bringing using right-way science to monitor are released into the wild for the first Plains-wanderer is no exception. together multiple ways of thinking the health of Country. time. This critically endangered Only about 1000 of these small, – traditional and western – we will species only occurs naturally on “Right-way science is about bringing ground-dwelling birds are left in be better placed to achieve mutually Bush Heritage’s Edgbaston Reserve, all knowledges together to protect fragmented pockets across the arid agreed upon outcomes for people in central Queensland, where what you care about. For us rangers plains of eastern Australia, including and country. their range is limited to nine small on Bush Heritage’s Boolcoomatta in the Arafura Swamp region, this is freshwater springs. Reserve, on Adnyamathanha and healthy Country. Everything in the world – like a songline or a name – has In 2017, Bush Heritage started Wiljakali country, in South Australia. Over the past two years, Bush a big story, with many reasons for a captive-breeding program why it is the way it is. Yolŋu call these with support from a Queensland Heritage, in collaboration with the National Plains-wanderer Recovery different parts of the storygurrkurr Government Everyone’s Environment (roots or veins). Yolŋu see veins that grant to increase the size and conserve Team, has been implementing a Plains-wanderer monitoring program scientists cannot, through dreamtime the genetic diversity of those wild creation and Rom (law). But scientists populations. In 2018, a number on Boolcoomatta. Thirty ‘song metres’ were used to collect more see veins that Yolŋu cannot, and of fish from natural springs were adding these additional veins to moved to three constructed springs than 15,000 hours of recordings, which were later analysed by call- stories can, if done in the right way, on Edgbaston where they have make them even fuller. successfully bred. Over the coming recognition software. We have also year, around 10 percent of the captive- been trialling the use of thermal We want to achieve right-way fire bred fish will be used to establish a monitoring technology to increase for Country, so we look at where new wild population. Plains-wanderer detection rates. the roots grow. In the Yolŋu way we puzzle out all the parts of the right- Bush Heritage acknowledges and pays The installation of song metres on has way fire story by talking, listening its respects to the Traditional Owners and respecting Traditional Owners of Edgbaston Reserve. been generously supported by the Letcombe Trust. and Elders, Rom and Country. Once those pieces come together you know where to burn good fire, where to get food and water. We complement our Yolŋu ways with Balanda (non- Challenges Indigenous) science tools like results chains. Results chains can be good Drought impacts seedlings Measuring impact at scale for stepping out those new, unknown aspects of fire management. The climate-ready revegetation As the issues facing our planet experiment at Nardoo Hills Reserve, become more urgent and the scale Monitoring and evaluation is the key Vic., required us to collect Grey of our work grows in response, to everything, it is like following and Box and Yellow Box seed from we have had to adapt the means tracing those roots of the story.” hotter, drier areas of south-eastern and methods we use to collect Australia but due to drought we data from the field. Currently we 1 weren’t able to get enough seed are exploring new technologies Senior ASRAC Ranger Solomon O’Ryan. from two sites. Seed from those and improving staff resourcing Photo by Daniel Hartley-Allen sites has now been sourced and so we can more accurately and propagated, and will be planted consistently measure our impact 7 ASRAC Ranger Mali Djarrbal with her catch of later this year. over large areas. Ratjuk (Barramundi) strung on Balagul (Corypha palm) at Murwangi, in northern Arhem Land, NT. Photo by Daniel Hartley-Allen

16 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 17 Theme 3 300 km of the Murrumbidgee Engage River are being and inspire protected and restored through the Upper We are canvassing support for conservation Adventurous volunteering from across the globe to ensure our Murrumbidgee The spectacular gorges of the upper irreplaceable landscapes and native species Murrumbidgee River provide homes are never forgotten. Demonstration for many native species, including Murray Cod, Macquarie Perch and Platypus. But most are accessible only Reach. by boat, which makes it difficult to control threats such as erosion, Willows and Box Elder trees. That’s where Bush Heritage volunteers come in. As part of a broader initiative called the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach, of which Bush Heritage is a partner, an Adventurous Volunteers program was established to protect and enhance native fish habitat along the river. Volunteers took to the water on rafts to undertake weed control, map habitat and plant hundreds of seedlings to stabilise bare banks and improve aquatic habitat; accessing and rehabilitating the hard-to-reach gorges and experiencing a unique adventure at the same time. Each volunteer completed a two-day rafting course with Paddle NSW and received essential training in rafting trip procedures, field safety systems and weed identification and removal, with support from Scottsdale Reserve staff and long-term volunteers. The UMDR Adventurous Volunteers program was generously funded by a Recreational Fishing Trust Fish Habitat Action grant, with additional support from the Australian River Restoration Centre.

1 Adventurous volunteers on the Murrumbidgee River, NSW. Photo by Amelia Caddy

7 Black Rock Gorge on the upper Murrumbidgee River, NSW, with Scottsdale Reserve on the right and the foothills of the Australian Alps on the left. Photo by Amelia Caddy

18 19 Australia Wildfire Fund gives global reach At the start of this year, philanthropic powerhouses Earth Alliance and Global Wildlife Conservation committed US$3 million to assist Australian environmental organisations with their bushfire recovery efforts. Bush Heritage is incredibly grateful to have been one of three charities to share in those funds. Connecting through Engaging a new audience Launched in response to the growing Bush Heritage volunteer Paul story and art climate crisis, Earth Alliance Bateman has donated more than In early 2020, we aired a 30 second brings together the influence and 1300 hours of his time to our work, Bush Heritage donors had the Community Service Announcement, expertise of the Leonardo DiCaprio including being a trip leader for the opportunity to meet some of our with donated airtime, on national Foundation, Emerson Collective and Adventurous Volunteers program on Aboriginal partners last year at three television as part of our ‘My Bush Global Wildlife Conservation. The the Murrumbidgee River. performances by Bangarra Dance Pledge’ campaign, encouraging the donation provided critical and timely “It wasn’t until I walked the Kokoda Theatre. Traditional Owners from public to protect the bush. Social support for our bushfire response, Track in my 50s that I really started Budjiti country in NSW, Badimaya media sharing was a key strategy for and gave us an international platform bushwalking. Around the same country in WA, and Karajarri this campaign; the video clocked up from which we could educate and time, I also took up sea kayaking. So country in the Kimberley region flew more than 25,000 views and was engage the general public on the when I heard about the Adventurous to Sydney, Perth and shared by more than a dozen values- bushfire crisis. respectively to meet Bush Heritage aligned Instagram influencers. Volunteers program I knew I wanted to be involved. supporters and share stories about We also launched a new live their work and culture. storytelling event series called I ended up spending nine days ‘Bush Nights’ in Melbourne that straight on the Murrumbidgee, brings together writers, Indigenous paddling and meeting like-minded knowledge holders, scientists and people. Even though I’d been academics to share stories of the paddling sea kayaks for years, bush with potential new supporters. paddling the rafts was very different. Though part of the live series was I had to learn how to read the river postponed due to COVID-19, we and how to work as a team to steer successfully held Instagram Live the raft. That’s another reason why I events in their place. like volunteering with Bush Heritage; when I’m on reserve, I’m working and learning all the time. 1 1 Bangarra Dance Theatre dancers Rika Author and academic Tyson Yunkaporta shares There are a lot of rocks and rapids Hamaguchi and Tyrel Dulvarie. Photo a story at the inaugural Bush Nights event in on the ‘bidgee that you couldn’t take by Daniel Boud Melbourne, Vic. Photo by Katelyn Reynolds a kayak over, so rafting with the Adventurous Volunteers program gave me the chance to see sections of the river that I normally wouldn’t Challenges have been able to get to.” Suspending our volunteer Staying engaged remotely program Bush Heritage’s Events program In March, we halted our field- allows us to engage and inspire 992 articles based volunteer program to existing and new supporters on about Earth Alliance’s safeguard the health of our a deeper level than is possible community in the face of the through other communication bushfire donations novel coronavirus. This decision channels. COVID-19 restrictions was an easy one – nothing is more have driven us to successfully reached a potential 1 important to us than the wellbeing explore other live platforms – Bush Heritage volunteer Paul Bateman on the of our people – but it has impacted Instagram for our Bush Nights global readership of Murrumbidgee River. Photo by Antia Brademann our ability to undertake some events and Microsoft Teams for tasks, particularly those related to webinars such as Bush Chats - over 1 billion people. 7 This healthy Koala was found feeding on bushfire recovery. but nothing beats face-to-face. epicormic growth in a young, partially burnt eucalypt on Scottsdale Reserve, NSW, following a bushfire in February 2020. Photo by Phil Palmer

20 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 21 Theme 4 Resilience and capability

We strive to ensure our people are highly engaged Putting nature and safe, our technology is evolved and secure, on the books our governance is effective and our revenue base When healthy, nature provides is sustainable and poised for further growth. many valuable services such as pollination, erosion control and carbon sequestration, yet these contributions to our economy are often overlooked. Bush Heritage is exploring environmental accounting methods that provide a framework for measuring and reporting on the health of natural assets and link this environmental condition to productivity. TM 68 Econd On our Eurardy Reserve in Western Australia, we are developing an ecosystem condition account This is a draft measure using the Accounting for Nature framework and data from Eurardy’s of the condition of 2017 ecological condition report, focusing on vegetation and birds as the key natural assets. This work has Eurardy Reserve’s been made possible with support native vegetation and from The Ian Potter Foundation. We will also be helping to develop natural capital accounts for 50 fauna calculated using farms across Tasmania (with the Midlands Conservation Fund), Accounting for Nature’s Victoria and NSW as part of a La Trobe University project involving ecosystem accounting eight other consortium partners, with primary funding from the Australian TM Government’s Smart Farming framework. An Econd Partnerships scheme. And we are working with CSIRO is an environmental and Climate Friendly to create ecosystem condition accounts condition index from for three pastoral stations in the Queensland rangelands, thanks 1 The 1 Million Tree revegetation project will help 0 to 100. to a grant from the Queensland to improve Eurardy’s EcondTM score in coming Government’s Landscape years. Photo by Katelyn Reynolds Restoration Fund.

2 Consulting with a Tasmanian Midlands farmer. Photo by Annette Ruzicka

22 23 3 7 The Birriliburu Indigenous Protected area is part Bush Heritage trainee Natasha Richards has of the 10 Deserts Project and covers 6.6 million spent the last two years working alongside hectares in the Little Sandy and Gibson deserts Bush Heritage ecologists and reserve managers of WA. Photo by Annette Ruzicka Supporting the protection on Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld. Photo by Rebecca Diete of Australia’s 10 Deserts Australia’s 10 deserts encompass a vast area spanning five states and Rehabilitating native territories. They are home to the last known populations of many grasslands threatened animals, including Bilbies This year, Bush Heritage in and Great Desert Skinks, and hold collaboration with Highlands immense cultural value for Traditional Environmental commenced a Owners. The 10 Deserts project, led 12-month native seed harvesting by Desert Support Services, aims to build the capacity of Indigenous trial on our Carnarvon Reserve, camera trapping and pitfall groups to look after this country. In Natasha Richards, a Bush Heritage Bidjara country, in Queensland trapping alongside Bush Heritage 2019, Bush Heritage was contracted to trainee, has spent the last two to help restore degraded land in ecologist Dr Rebecca Diete. I have provide fire management support to years working on Carnarvon Station the surrounding area. Carnarvon nearly completed my Certificate the 10 Deserts project partners. The Reserve, Qld, while undertaking contains about 600 hectares of native III in Conservation and Land contract will see our National Fire formal studies in conservation and Bluegrass Grasslands, an ecosystem Management. It has been such a Program manager working alongside land management. that has been largely converted to privilege really to be able to base my Aboriginal ranger teams in coming “I’ve always wanted to be an agriculture elsewhere in the Brigalow units on real life situations out here years to help plan and carry out right- Indigenous land and sea ranger; it’s Belt region making it difficult at Carnarvon, which has helped me way fire programs. always been a dream and a passion to source seed for rehabilitation to complete my studies and gain real for me. I remember arriving at purposes. From late March to world experience.” early April, Bush Heritage staff Carnarvon for the first time clear as used a non-destructive technique day. On the drive in, I was like a big Natasha’s traineeship is part called ‘brush harvesting’ to collect kid – just amazed and overwhelmed of Bush Heritage’s Pathways to hundreds of kilos of native seeds, at how beautiful the country was. Employment program, an initiative supported by the Flight Centre which will now be dried and sold for My day-to-day duties change all Foundation. land rehabilitation. If the trial proves the time. They range from spraying successful, income from sales will weeds and driving the bobcat, support Bush Heritage’s conservation to doing sand pad monitoring, efforts across Australia.

270 million Challenges hectares The COVID-19 impacts on revenue Accounting for change total area At this stage it is too early to Understanding our conservation know the longer term impacts impact requires us to assess encompassed of the coronavirus pandemic ecological change over time. The on our revenue, however we are methods and technological means by Australia’s very conscious of the broader used to monitor conservation economic disruption and that impact have changed significantly 10 deserts is some of our supporters may over the past 29 years. We are comparable to experience financial uncertainty. now faced with the challenge Bush Heritage’s resilient income of updating our systems and Argentina, the model stands us in great stead to technologies, while maintaining weather this period, and we are the integrity of our data and eighth largest grateful for the continued support reconciling datasets gathered – be it financial or otherwise – of with vastly different technologies nation on Earth. our community during these over the years. uncertain times.

24 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 25 Message from the Treasurer and CFO Revenue 2019-2020 $28.3 million

The protection of our natural environment has never been of greater importance. In financial year 2019-2020 this translated to increased financial support for the work of Bush Heritage and for the first time we exceeded $25 million in total supporter contributions, bequests and grants. We thank all of our donors and volunteers for their incredibly valuable trust and support in this past year.

A key reason for the particularly governance and community reach • Donations and gifts 68% high revenue totals in 2019-2020 was of our programs. Bush Heritage is the strong support we received in also exploring new environmental • Gifts in Wills 19% response to the devastating bushfires accounting methods aimed at • Volunteer services revenue 5% experienced over summer, including measuring and reporting the • Grants 3% from new overseas donors. changing condition of environmental • Conservation enterprises revenue 3% values on our conservation reserves. Much of this funding was received • Interest/investment revenue 2% Refer further to previous pages of toward the end of our financial this report for a description of our Refer Concise Consolidated Financial Report - year and has therefore resulted in progress. Notes 2a & 2b (p. 42) larger than usual cash holdings at 31 March 2020 and the significant We are now two months into the financial year surplus reported. new 2020-2021 financial year Expenses 2019-2020 The funds will be applied over the and our organisation is managing coming two years towards further through the financial and operational strengthening our fire planning and uncertainties arising from the novel $24.6 million management capability and to our coronavirus pandemic. As disclosed recovery programs on our hardest- in the notes to the 2019-2020 audited hit conservation reserves. This may financial statements, we are planning result in reported financial deficits in for the likelihood of reduced funding subsequent years as we spend down being available to us in this new year. the 2019-2020 surplus. However, the early signs have been very promising and we are grateful Also contained in the 2019-2020 that many of our donors have been surplus are significant local donations able to continue to support our work received during the year for at this very challenging time. conservation infrastructure projects on our reserves. These projects Bush Heritage remains a financially have begun however the bulk of the resilient organisation with a very work will be completed in 2020- healthy balance sheet at 31 March 2021, therefore much of the funding 2020. We continue to invest • Conservation management activities 61% remains in our accounts as at 31 appropriately in our central and • Investment in new supporters 11% March 2020. operational capability, which • Organisational support 10% provides us confidence in our ability Funds applied to our on-ground • Conservation communities, events and education 9% to weather the current and future conservation management activities challenges. • Fundraising activities 9% increased by 3 percent from the previous year in line with our Nicholas Burton Taylor Refer Concise Consolidated Financial Report - overall spending, while we also Treasurer Notes 3a—3e (pp. 42-43) continued to strategically invest in Robert Pratt the ongoing financial viability, good CFO

3 Bush Heritage’s in far western Queensland sits on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Photo by Lachie Millard/The Courier Mail

26 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 27 Thank you

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have Carrawa Foundation Letcombe Foundation Water Dragon Endowment Environmental Defender’s Office supported or partnered with us over the past 12 months. Cheryl and David Fillmore Loro Parque Fundación Wildlife Volunteers Association Inc. Dr Geoff Woodall Without you, our work would not be possible. Cliff Hooker Maria Manning and Henry Maas Lendlease Corporate partners Daniel and Helen Gauchat Marich Foundation ANZ Macquarie Bank Leading benefactors The Darwin Family David and Ros Higgins Marquill Foundation Flight Centre Foundation Omera Partners Morphic Asset Management Alerce Trust The Gum Tree Foundation David Pfanner Geoff Boadle, Sustainable Impact Dr Simon West, Stockholm University Mt Eagle Charitable Trust Andyinc Foundation The Ian Potter Foundation David Robb Gorman Shop Wollemi Eco-Logical Pty Ltd Annelie Holden in memory Debbie and Mario Russo Murphy Family Foundation Key benefactors JB Hi-Fi and staff of George Dalton Eldon and Marilyn Ball Naylor-Stewart Ancillary Fund Gifts in wills Avaaz Jord International Besen Family Foundation Erica Foundation Pam and David Habersberger Annie Roman Bob Wilson in memory KeepCup Brian Snape, AM, of Marg Wilson Family Frank Foundation Pty Ltd Pamela Fiala B Seabrook and the late Diana Snape Kennards Hire Foundation Charles and Cornelia Fred Woollard Paul Ibbetson Donald B. Taylor Chris and Gina Grubb Morphic Asset Management Goode Foundation Future Generation Investment Pavetta Foundation Elizabeth A. Hartnell David Rickards, in memory NAOS Asset Management Coupland Family Company of Helen Rickards Peter Godfrey-Smith Elizabeth C. Carr Ian, Heather, Leisl and Garry White Foundation Government grants Diversicon Environmental Philippa Carter and Peter Elizabeth M. Wohlers Timothy Wood Australian Government, Foundation Give 52 Currie Foundation Trust Freda M. Crawford Maxine and Peter Wilshaw National Landcare Program Dr Alexander Gosling, AM, Goodridge Foundation Phillip Cornwell and Cecilia Rice Murray Darling Basin Authority Gretel Woodward and Wirat Sukprem PLUS1 with Select Music, Graham and Judy Hubbard Robert Lawrence Lewis Montaigne and Flume NSW Government, Department Halinka Tarcyznska-Fiddian Earth Alliance/Global Wildlife Greengib Ltd Robin Friday of Primary Industries Helen Poxon Conservancy Major benefactors Harvey Foundation Rod Powell NSW Government, Eugenie White and the late Andrew Jessie Cheatle Ellen Koshland Environmental Trust Loewenthal Haverstock Hill Foundation Ross and Judy Milne-Pott Johanna E. Ferwerda Helen Macpherson Smith Trust NSW Government, Geoff Giles Heather Doig and Rob Koczkar Sally White John Mitchell Martin Pool and Stephanie Miller Local Land Services Gras Foundation Henry Foster Sarah Louise Ricketts in loving Joy K. St Jack The Scully Fund memory of Michael Patrick Ricketts NSW Government, Harwood Family Ian Wallace Family Bequest Saving Our Species program Joyce Gillespie Warwick Nott Serp Hills Foundation Ian and Margaret Ross, AM In memorium Jacquie Pryor Queensland Government, Julie Moses Sharyn Wilson Department of Environment Jaramas Foundation Supporting benefactors In memorium George and Science Margaret Bowman Allan Johnson and Yvonne Cossins Sue and Rob Russell John T Reid Charitable Trusts Mieke Buisman Irene Stone Tertini Charitable Foundation Rangelands NRM Jord Environment Trust Allen Family Foundation Victorian Government, Miriam Godfrey Amanda Lopez J. PERMSEW Foundation The Clifton and Clara Laing Lotterywest Charitable Trust, managed by Department of Environment, Pamela Driscoll Andrew and Belinda Isles James N Kirby Foundation Land, Water & Planning Macquarie Group Foundation Equity Trustees Trust Penelope Taylor Jane Oldfield WA Government, Margaret and Michael Williams Andrew and Lisa Danks The Tony And Lisette Lewis State NRM Program Phyllis M. Goddard Annabel Anderson John Barkla and Alison Street Foundation Maxwell Family Foundation Prudence E. Mulcahy Anne Miller Keith Brister The Wright Burt Foundation Pro bono Michael Tichbon, OAM Richard Chinner Aquarium Society Of Victoria Keith Herbig and Warren Chambers Thyne Reid Foundation Allens Pamela and Robert Knight Robin Corringham Australian Turf Club Foundation Keith Lethlean Tjoan Lie (Vivienne Court Bleyer Lawyers Perpetual Foundation – Alan (AGL) Trading Pty Ltd) Robin D. Davidson Shaw Endowment Bart Currie Kennards Hire Foundation Daniel Gauchat, The Adelante Viasat World Group Rosemary Mac Krell Ross Trust Biophilia Foundation Ken and Maike Hyman Terry and Caroline Bellair Brian and Diana Snape Leith Hope Memorial Foundation

28 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 29 Volunteers Richard and Margaret Alcorn Wardekken Aboriginal Corporation; Regional partners Research partners NSW Government, Bininj Kunwok clans (Wardekken, Department of Industry Richard McLellan Arid Recovery, SA Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal The following volunteers contributed the NT) Corporation Olkola Aboriginal Corporation greatest amount of time to our work. Rod Taylor Bill and Jane Thompson Winangakirri Aboriginal (Yarraweyah Falls, WA) Amaryllis Environmental Queensland University Alistair Bestow Ron McInnes Corporation; Ngiyampaa of Tech nolog y Wangaaypuwan people (Mawonga, Eddy and Donna Wajon (Chingarrup Arid Recovery Annelie Holden Siska Hester NSW) Sanctuary, WA) RMIT University Australian Institute of Marine Annie Didcott Steve Prothero Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Gunduwa Regional Conservation Science Smithsonian Institution (USA) Australian Deer Association Tony and Meredith Geyer Corporation; Wunambal and Association, WA Australian National University South Coast Natural Resource Gaambera peoples (Wunambal Birdlife Northern NSW Wally Holding Northern Agricultural Catchment Management Gaambera, WA) Charles Darwin University Council Bob and Karolee Wolcott Wendy Corrick Tasmanian Land Conservancy Charles Sturt University Rangelands NRM Brian Crute Wildflower Society of WA Aboriginal partnerships Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Colorado State University (USA) (on reserve) South Endeavour Trust Network Brian Martin William Douglas Adnyamathanha and Wilyakali (Yantabulla Station, NSW) Conservation Council of Western Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain) Bruce Urquhart peoples (Boolcoomatta Station Australia Tasmanian Land Conservancy Aboriginal partnerships Reserve, SA) University of Adelaide Catherine Nicholson (off reserve) (Midlands Conservation Fund / Conservation Drones Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Tasmanian Midlandscapes Project), University of Auckland Chris and Sherry Malcolm Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal CSIRO people (Bon Bon Station Reserve, Tas Corporation; Djinang, Djinba, University of Canberra Chris Taylor SA) Curtin University Djambarrpingu, Ganhalpuyngu, Upper Murrumbidgee University of California Christine Turnbull Mandhalpuyngu, and Badimaya people (Charles Demonstration Reach, NSW Deakin University Wagilak speaking people, Darwin Reserve, WA) University of Melbourne Clifford Grant Edith Cowan University and Rembarrnga speaking Bi people Bidjara people (Carnarvon University of New England Conservation and Wildlife (Arafura Swamp, NT) Flinders University Station Reserve, Qld) Management Qld University of New South Wales Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Budjiti people (Naree Station Dylan Sutton Corporation; Bunuba people University of Queensland Reserve, NSW) Government of Tasmania, (Bunuba, WA) Emily Radermacher Department of Primary Industries, University of Tasmania Dja Dja Wurrung people Ganalanga-Mindibirrina IPA Parks, Water and Environment Eva Finzel (Nardoo Hills reserves, Vic.) University of Sydney Advisory Committee and the Government of Western Australia, Garry McDonald Northern Land Council Waanyi Jirrbal and Warrangu peoples University of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Garawa Rangers; Waanyi Garawa (Yourka Reserve, Qld) Geoffrey Hickman Conservation and Attractions Upper Murrumbidgee Rangers and Traditional Owners Maiawali people (Pullen Pullen Demonstration Reach Ian Haverly (Waanyi Garawa, NT) Greening Australia Reserve, Qld) West Australian Malleefowl Recovery John Adams Karajarri Traditional Lands James Cook University (Hamelin Station Group Association; Karajarri peoples John Fantini Reserve, WA) La Trobe University (Karajarri, WA) Wildlife Drones Jonathon Marsden-Smedley (Eurardy Murdoch University Mimal Land Management Wildflower Society of WA Reserve, WA) Mario Russo Aboriginal Corporation; Dalabon National Environmental Science Michael and Lynne Montgomery and Rembarrnga clans (Mimal, NT) Ngunawal people (Scottsdale Program Threatened Species Reserve, NSW) Recovery Hub (UoM) Mick and Kerry Moylan Mungarlu Ngurrankatja Rirraunkaja Aboriginal Corporation; Martu - Minang and National Malleefowl Recovery Team Norm Bain people and Central Desert Native peoples (Fitz-Stirling reserves, WA) National Night Parrot Recovery Title Services Ltd (Birriliburu, WA) Norma Gates Tasmanian Aboriginal Community/ Tea m Nepabunna Community Palawa people (Liffey Valley Paul and Joanne Flint National Plains-wanderer Recovery Council; Adnyamathanha people reserves, Friendly Beaches Reserve, Tea m Paul Bateman (Nantawarrina, SA) South Esk Pine Reserve and the Tasmanian Midlands, Tas.) National Red-finned Blue-eye Phillip Bairstow Olkola Aboriginal Corporation; Recovery Team Ray Tollefsen Olkola people (Olkola, Qld) Wangkamadla people (Cravens Peak and Ethabuka reserves, Qld) Rex George and Gail Holt

30 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 31 Directors’ Report Directors’ Report

Principal activities Performance measures Bush Heritage is a not-for-profit public company limited by Bush Heritage’s principal activities, Bush Heritage recognises the guarantee incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 and a consistent with its constitution, are to: importance of key performance registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits measures in monitoring organisational • Protect and enhance the natural Commission (ACNC) under the Australian Charities and Not-for- performance and this is reflected in environment, or significant Profits Commission Act 2012. our annual reporting. parts of it, for the long term Bush Heritage’s board is responsible for the governance of the by acquiring and preserving, Our peak organisational performance company and for ensuring that business activities are directed restoring or maintaining land or measure is our conservation impact. towards achieving the company’s purpose and vision. water that is of high conservation To measure and report this, we have Your directors present their report for the 12 months ended value or environmental adopted the Global Impact Investing 31 March 2020. significance. Network ‘Impact Reporting and • Obtain funds or other property Investment Standards’. Short and long-term strategy and objectives through donations, bequests, Bush Heritage has also adopted public appeals, special events and Bush Heritage’s vision is for healthy Country, protected forever the Open Standards for the sponsorships. and its purpose is to return the bush to good health. Practice of Conservation as • Work with, provide assistance to, our core business process. Our The 2019-20 financial year was the third year under the five or engage others to protect and adapted version, the Bush Heritage year 2017-22 strategic plan, which will guide our investment and enhance the natural environment. Conservation Management reporting during those five years. Arranged under four themes, • Advise and educate others about Process, is used to guide our the objectives of Our Plan 2017-22 are: how to protect and enhance the conservation strategy, planning, natural environment. implementation, monitoring and 1. Landscape-scale conservation reporting. Bush Heritage uses • Buy or sell, for the benefit of the ‘conservation scorecards’ as a key management company, any trading credits, tool for monitoring and reporting sequestration rights or other • Threats to species, culturally significant species, habitats on the conservation outcomes we similar property or interests in and cultural values are managed, reduced or eliminated. have achieved on our reserves or land, air, water or carbon. • Impact is expanded through our priority landscapes partnership properties. across land and sea country. • Pursue strategic, operational, business and other appropriate Goals or targets are set against our • Traditional Owner connections with Country are five-year strategic plan and annual acknowledged and integrated across our projects. relationships with the public and private sector to achieve the business plan and are reported objects of the company. upon quarterly to the board, and 2. Science and knowledge externally within our Impact Report. • Positive outcomes for conservation and right-way These goals or targets relate to both approaches to science have been influenced nationally. our core conservation work and our supporting business activities, • Traditional Owner, academic and community knowledge including marketing, fundraising, and approaches are brought together to improve land and financial and human resource and water management activities. management. 3. Engage and inspire • Support for the conservation of Australia’s environment and recognition of Aboriginal connection to Country has grown.

4. Resilience and capability • Our annual revenue has generated significantly more support for conservation and is sustainable and poised for further growth. • Our people are highly engaged and safe, our technology is evolved and secure, our governance is effective and our Capital Fund is strong.

7 A Honey Possum on Monjebup Reserve, WA. Photo by William Marwick

32 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 33 Christopher Nicholas Burton Professor Sarah Phillip Cornwell Board of Directors Grubb, President Taylor, AM, Vice Bekessy BA LLB (Hons) B.A, B.Comm President and PhD, BSc Joined the board Joined the board Treasurer (Hons) in 2015 in 2011, President BEc (Syd), Joined the board from August 2017 F Fin, FCA, in 2017 The board sets the strategic direction of FAICD, FCPA Joined the board in 2013, Vice President the company and oversees its systems Chris is a non-executive director from August 2017 Sarah teaches Sustainability Phillip is a Senior Finance Counsel of several investment management of accountability and control. The following and Urban Planning at RMIT at the commercial law firm Allens. companies, Chairman of Boardroom Nick has a longstanding commitment people have served as directors on the University, with a particular Previously a partner there, Phillip Pty Ltd and a business coach. He to rural communities and extensive board during the year and to the date interest in the intersection between headed its Project Finance practice was Managing Director of Hong experience in the Australian science and policy in environmental and chaired its Pro Bono and of this report: Kong based investment bank agricultural sector. He owns Hillgrove management. She is involved in an Footprint Committees. Phillip is Jardine Fleming in Australia, Japan Pastoral, the operator of properties interdisciplinary range of research also a director and deputy chair and Singapore, Director of Ord in Tasmania, Southern NSW and and consulting projects, including an of Suicide Prevention Australia and Minnett and Chairman of ASX Cape York and the genetic operation ARC Future Fellowship titled ‘Socio- chairs its governance committee, listed companies InvestorWeb and Kenny’s Creek Angus. Nick is ecological models for environmental and he is a director and the chair So Natural Foods. He has served currently the Chancellor of Southern decision making’. Sarah leads the of the Australian Pro Bono Centre. as a director of several public and Cross University, Chair of the Country Interdisciplinary Conservation Phillip is a long-term Bush Heritage not-for-profit organisations including Education Foundation of Australia Science research group. Her supporter. Odyssey House and the Australian and has served on the boards of several interests include threatened species Museum Foundation. He is a keen listed companies including Rural Press, management and the role of science birdwatcher and pastoralist. Australian Agricultural Company, in environmental policy. CSR and GrainCorp.

Dr Alexander Distinguished Dr Rebecca Sue O’Connor Avelina Tarrago Company Gosling, AM Professor Nelson BAppSc LB Secretary FTSE Michelle J.S.D., J.S.M., (RMIT), Joined the board Robert Pratt FIEAust DEng Leishman B.E. (Env.Eng.)/ GDipBus Mgt, in 2019 BAcc MEnt MA(Hons) BSc (Hons), LL.B FAICD CA GAICD MAICD PhD Joined the board Joined the board November 2018 – Joined the board Joined the board in 2014 in 2019 present in 2016 in 2015 Sue has served as a chairman, Avelina is a Wangkamadla woman Robert is Company Secretary, Chief Alexander was the founding director Michelle is a plant ecologist with Rebecca is a lawyer who researches, director and senior business leader from central-west Queensland. Financial Officer and Executive of Invetech and worked in the over 25 years research experience teaches and advises on environmental with ASXTop10, global unlisted She holds a Bachelor of Laws Manager - Corporate Services. With field of product development and focused on invasive plants, vegetation and water management, regulation companies and high profile statutory and Graduate Diploma in Legal support from legal advisors, the technology commercialisation. He response and adaptation to climate and policy. She is an Associate authorities. She brings to the board Practice and has been admitted in Company Secretary manages the received an Order of Australia for change, restoration ecology, plant Professor at the Melbourne her commercial acumen and deep the Supreme Court of Queensland company’s systems of governance services to industry, technology and conservation and urban greening. Law School at the University of expertise in technology, climate since 2009. Avelina was a Federal and advises the board on appropriate the community, and has an honorary She leads a research group in the Melbourne, and a Fellow (Non- change, capital management and Prosecutor for the Commonwealth procedures for the conduct of the Doctorate of Engineering. Alexander Department of Biological Sciences Resident) of the Woods Institute risk. Sue is currently Chair of Director of Public Prosecutions company’s affairs, as required by sits on a number of boards and is an at Macquarie University and is for the Environment at Stanford Yarra Valley Water, a director of and for the Queensland Office of the company’s Constitution and by active supporter of Zoos Victoria’s current Head of Department. University. Rebecca combines this Mercer Superannuation, Treasury the Health Ombudsman. Avelina is charity and company law. Robert is ‘Fighting Extinction’ program. Michelle is a Trustee of the Royal work with independent consulting. In Corporation Victoria, Kordia President of the Indigenous Lawyers not a Director of the company. Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust 2014, she was named the Australian Ltd and ClimateWorks Australia Association of Queensland, the and Chair of their Scientific and Young Environmental Lawyer of the and she is an Advisory Council Queensland Great Artesian Basin Conservation Committee. She is Year for her significant contributions member of the Monash Sustainable Advisory Council and the Councillor also an elected Council member of to environmental law. Development Institute. Conduct Tribunal. the Australian Flora Foundation and a member of the International Science Advisory Board of NZ’s Bio- Protection Research Centre.

34 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 35 Board meetings managers with direct reporting As at 31 March 2020, the committee Company Secretary and oversees the is responsible for ensuring that risks the company would be liable to responsibility to the CEO. This structures and duties were as follows: membership register. and opportunities are identified in contribute if the company is wound Six board meetings were held during includes both managers who are and a timely manner and considered up is $720. 2019-20. Details of the directors’ Aboriginal Engagement Committee Marketing & Fundraising Committee who are not included within Key against the organisation’s objectives, meeting attendance are outlined in Management Personnel as defined Chair: Avelina Tarrago Chair: Christopher Grubb operations and appetite for risk. the table below. Where the director Auditor’s independence in the Notes to the Full Consolidated Members: Nicholas Burton Taylor, Members: Alexander Gosling, Kate was not in office for the whole of The Auditor’s Declaration of Financial Report. As at the date of Phillip Cornwell, Trent Nelson* Macgregor*, Sue O’Connor, Avelina the financial year, the number of Health, Safety & Environment Independence appears on page 46 this report, the Senior Leadership Tarrago meetings held during the part-year Provides strategic guidance on Bush Heritage operates in a variety and forms part of the Directors’ Team comprised Heather Campbell Provides strategic advice and period of office is shown in the Aboriginal engagement strategy and of working environments, including Report for the year ended 31 March (CEO) and executive managers with monitors the performance of Bush first column. The Bush Heritage policy and monitors the development some of the most remote parts 2020. the following areas of responsibility: Heritage’s marketing and fundraising Constitution (Section 50) permits and performance of on-Country of Australia, and the safety of all strategies including engagement, and decisions to be taken by the board in • Luke Bayley, West region programs. people who come into contact Rounding fundraising growth and development. written resolution form. In 2019-20, conservation operations Capital Fund Committee with our operations is paramount. The company is of a kind referred to the board made one decision using Operations and Safety Committee Bush Heritage’s Health and Safety • Cissy Gore-Birch, Aboriginal Chair: David Rickards* in ASIC Class Order 98/100, dated this alternative method. Engagement Chair: Sarah Bekessy Management System promotes a 10 July 1998, and in accordance with Members: Christopher Grubb, positive health and safety culture in that Class Order, amounts in the Board • Dr Jody Gunn, South East region Nicholas Burton Taylor Members: Alexander Gosling, which participation, consultation and meetings conservation operations Angus Holden*, Allan Holmes*, Financial Report have been rounded held during Board Provides strategic guidance on shared responsibility are intrinsic off to the nearest thousand dollars, the period meetings • Robert Murphy, North region Leanne Liddle*, Michelle Leishman, the Bush Heritage Capital Fund’s to the way we work. The System is unless otherwise stated. that each attended conservation operations and Ewan Waller* reviewed by a staff-based Health and Director was management and investment in office National Fire Management objectives and performance, Provides strategic advice on and Safety Committee representing each Signed in accordance with a monitors Bush Heritage’s operational resolution of the Board of Directors Christopher • Robert Pratt, Company including appointment and review of team, location and level within Bush 6 6 Grubb Secretary, Corporate Services, the Investment Manager. and people management, including Heritage to ensure systems of work made pursuant to Section 298(2) of its Health, Safety and Environment and required resources are in place the Corporations Act 2001. Nicholas Chief Financial Officer 6 6 Finance, Audit and Risk Committee strategy and performance and Burton Taylor • Dr Rebecca Spindler, Science to allow safe and controlled work Chair: Nicholas Burton Taylor the management of its fire-related and Conservation practices. Our Senior Leadership Sarah Bekessy 6 5 Members: Rebecca Nelson, Sue operations. Team and our board’s Operations • Melinda Warnecke, Fundraising Phillip O’Connor and Bill Starr* Science & Conservation Committee and Safety Committee provide 6 5 and Engagement strategic advice on, and monitor, Cornwell Provides strategic review and Chair: Michelle Leishman Alexander oversight on overall financial Bush Heritage’s Health and Safety 6 6 Board oversight and board Members: Sarah Bekessy, Alexander Christopher Grubb Gosling management, annual and longer- strategy and performance, and committee structure Gosling, Sarah Legge*, Rebecca review incidents arising from our President Michelle term budgets and financial results, 6 4 Nelson, James Watson* Leishman The board meets at least quarterly investment strategies and business operations. The board also reviews and addresses Health and Safety Rebecca to oversee and monitor the modelling and management of Provides strategic advice on science 6 6 Nelson organisation’s performance and financial assets. Monitors auditing, and conservation strategies and matters at each board meeting. compliance. During these meetings risk management policy and policies, including land acquisition Sue O’Connor 6 6 it receives detailed reports from procedures, and legislative and proposals, reserve and partnership Workplace Gender Equality Avelina management and provides direction regulatory responsibilities. planning, scientific research, and Bush Heritage recognises the 4 4 Tarrago on key matters. Further to this, conservation outcomes and impact. importance of supporting diversity Nick Burton Taylor committees of the board have been Gift Fund Committee *Denotes a non-director member of the within its workforce, including with Vice President and Treasurer established to review, provide advice Chair: Nicholas Burton Taylor Responsibilities of committee during the reporting period regard to gender. In accordance with and make recommendations to the Members: Christopher Grubb, the requirements of the Workplace 10 June 2020 management board and management on particular Chris Schulz* Gender Equality Act 2012, Bush aspects of Bush Heritage’s operations Risk management The board has formally delegated Monitors compliance with the rules Heritage has lodged its 2019-2020 and administration. Each committee Bush Heritage manages its responsibility for the day-to-day of the Bush Heritage Australia Workplace Gender Equality public operates under a charter approved organisational risks in line with management of Bush Heritage’s Fund and those of the Register of report, which may be accessed on the by the board that sets out the Australian Standard AS ISO operations to the Chief Executive Environmental Organisations to Workplace Gender Equality Agency committee’s purpose, membership 31000:2018. Each risk is assigned Officer (CEO). The CEO provides ensure deductible gift recipient status website. and responsibilities. Several a ‘risk owner’ who is responsible leadership to the organisation and is retained. is responsible for achieving the committees currently support the for identifying and implementing Members’ guarantee targeted results set out in the annual board, with membership consisting Governance Committee appropriate treatment strategies As at 31 March 2020 the number business plan and budget. The CEO of directors and non-directors who to mitigate the risk, realise related Chair: Christopher Grubb of members was 72. In accordance is authorised by the board to put in are external specialists in their field. opportunities and report on that Members: Phillip Cornwell, with the company’s constitution, place certain policies and procedures, risk to the relevant committee(s) All director and committee roles Michelle Leishman each member is liable to contribute take decisions and actions and initiate and board. are non-executive positions and no Provides strategic advice on matters a maximum of $10 in the event activities to achieve those results in remuneration is payable. However, relating to the effectiveness of The Finance, Audit and Risk that the company is wound up. line with the delegations of authority. out-of-pocket expenses such as travel the board, its committees, the Committee oversees the execution Therefore based on this number Our Senior Leadership Team may be paid to enable fulfilment of role of the Chief Executive and of the Risk Management Policy the total amount that members of includes the CEO and all executive duties. across the organisation. The board

36 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 37 Concise consolidated financial report for the year ended 31 March 2020

This Concise Consolidated Financial Consolidated Statement of Profit or significant gifts that were received Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Report should be read in conjunction Loss and Other Comprehensive Income in 2019-20 which remained unspent as at 31 March 2020 as at 31 March 2020, pending their with the Directors’ Report and the for the year ended 31 March 2020 application to planned conservation 2020 2019 Impact Report, which provide details Notes $’000 $’000 of the achievements and activities 2020 2019 and infrastructure project ASSETS of Bush Heritage Australia (Bush Notes $’000 $’000 expenditure in 2020-21. Current Assets Heritage) and its controlled entity Revenue Effects of Significant Economic or (Midlands Conservation Fund) Supporter contributions and grants 2(a) 25,208 17,823 Other Events Cash and cash equivalents 5,223 2,790 during the financial year ended 31 Trade and other receivables 180 171 Interest and investment revenue 2(b) 560 659 On 11 March 2020, the World Health March 2020. Assets held for sale 423 716 Conservation enterprises revenue 953 380 Organisation (WHO) made an Other assets 394 485 The Concise Consolidated Volunteer services revenue 1,485 2,036 assessment that a novel coronavirus Financial Report is an extract first identified earlier in the year Total Current Assets 6,220 4,162 Other income 46 216 from the Full Consolidated (the virus) should be characterised Non-Current Assets Total Revenue 28,252 21,114 Financial Report for the year as a global pandemic. Subsequently Investments 4 10,898 9,585 ended 31 March 2020. The Expenses the virus has caused high levels of Property, plant and equipment 33,737 34,200 financial statements and specific Conservation management activities 3(a) 14,883 14,475 social, health, economic and financial disclosures included in the Concise disruption on a global basis. Right-of-use assets 1,362 1,698 Conservation communities, events & education 3(b) 2,191 2,445 Consolidated Financial Report Intangibles - computer software 413 640 The widespread impact of the have been derived from the Full Fundraising activities 3(c) 2,316 2,309 Other assets 599 534 virus occurred very late in Bush Consolidated Financial Report in Investment in new supporters 3(d) 2,752 2,116 Heritage’s financial year ended Total Non-Current Assets 47,009 46,657 accordance with the Accounting Organisational support 3(e) 2,502 2,319 31 March 2020 and consequently TOTAL ASSETS 53,229 50,819 Standards. Total Expenses 24,644 23,664 little impact was made on Bush LIABILITIES The Concise Consolidated Surplus / (Deficit) Before Tax 3,608 (2,550) Heritage’s financial results, position Current Liabilities Financial Report cannot be or operations during or at the end of Income tax - - Trade and other payables 1,235 1,527 expected to provide as full an the financial year. It was necessary to Provisions 1,263 1,112 understanding of the financial Net Surplus / (Deficit) after tax 3,608 (2,550) curtail or modify some activities in performance, financial position Other Comprehensive Income February and March 2020 and over Interest-bearing liabilities 5 1,257 118 and financing and investing Realisation of net fair value gains previously the course of the financial year the Leases 6 572 561 activities of Bush Heritage and brought to account (395) (64) value of the Capital Fund decreased Other liabilities 241 105 its controlled entity as the Full Net fair value gains/(losses) brought to by 6.0%. However, the impact on Total Current Liabilities 4,568 3,423 Consolidated Financial Report. account during the financial year (159) 198 Bush Heritage of the virus will be Non-Current Liabilities Further financial information Income tax on items of other comprehensive experienced mainly in subsequent Provisions 217 229 can be obtained from the Full income - - financial years, which is discussed Consolidated Financial Report Other comprehensive income for the period below in Note 8. Interest-bearing liabilities 5 - 1,416 which is available, free of charge, after tax (554) 134 Leases 6 872 1,233 There were no other economic and on request to Bush Heritage. Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) for the Total Non-Current Liabilities 1,089 2,878 or other events that significantly Further details of Bush Heritage’s Period 3,054 (2,416) impacted the financial results for the TOTAL LIABILITIES 5,657 6,301 conservation activities can be The Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income 2019-20 financial year. NET ASSETS 47,572 44,518 found in the Impact Report. should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Dividends EQUITY Discussion and Analysis – contributor to this increase being Equity funds and reserves 7 47,572 44,518 Bush Heritage is a company limited Consolidated Statement of Profit several large gifts toward projects and TOTAL EQUITY 47,572 44,518 or Loss and Other Comprehensive bushfire recovery measures planned by guarantee and does not have Income for 2020-21. There was, however, issued share capital. As such, Bush The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction Heritage does not pay dividends. with the accompanying notes. Trends in Revenue and Net Surplus a reduction in Volunteer Services revenue due to a range of factors such Any surpluses are reinvested in the Bush Heritage experienced strong as the impact of bushfires in NSW company to be used for conservation community support in 2019- and changes in our activities from purposes in future financial years. 20, reinforcing the importance year to year. of the protection of the natural environment. There was a 41% The Net Surplus of $3.6 million increase in general donations and reported in 2019-20 compares with a gifts received in 2019-20 compared Net Deficit of $2.6 million in 2018- with 2018-19, with a major 19. The large surplus reflects the

38 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 39 Discussion and Analysis – Debt and Equity Total equity of $47.6 million within Discussion and Analysis – Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Consolidated Statement of Financial Bush Heritage continues to carry the consolidated entity reflects the Consolidated Statement of Changes for the year ended 31 March 2020 Position obligations for a $1.1 million loan carrying value of all Bush Heritage- in Equity owned properties as well as the value 2020 2019 Changes in the Composition of that was used to fund a conservation Changes in the Composition of the $’000 $’000 Assets and Liabilities property acquisition in 2015-16, as of Bush Heritage’s investments, Components of Equity working capital and the Midlands Operating Activities The Consolidated Statement of well as total lease obligations of $1.4 The consolidated equity of Bush Conservation Fund. Receipts from supporter contributions Financial Position shows that Bush million, being for a number of motor Heritage and its controlled entity and other sources 25,645 17,751 vehicle finance leases and an office Heritage and its controlled entity have is maintained within three defined Payments to suppliers and employees (20,306) (18,876) maintained a strong Total Equity base property lease. equity reserves, being the Bush Proceeds from the sale of donated assets held for sale 263 1,560 with $47.6 million in Net Assets (up Heritage General Reserve, the Net from $44.5 million as at 31 March Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Unrealised Gains/(Losses) Reserve Interest paid (67) (174) 2019). Total Equity represents the for the year ended 31 March 2020 and the Midlands Conservation Interest and dividends received 399 510 Net cash from operating activities 5,934 771 accumulated supporter contributions Accumulated Equity Total Fund Reserve. The use of the former and other net earnings that Bush Surplus Reserves Bush Heritage Restricted Funds Investing Activities Heritage and its controlled entity 2020 2020 2020 Reserve was discontinued effective Purchase of investments (3,140) (671) have received since their inception Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 from 1 April 2018 due to Bush Purchase of buildings, plant and equipment (481) (1,868) and which have been applied to the At 1 April 2019 - 44,518 44,518 Heritage’s adoption of Accounting acquisition of land and other capital Standard AASB 15 and effectively Purchase of software (35) (1) Surplus for the period 3,608 - 3,608 assets for conservation purposes. replaced by Revenue Received in Purchase of land (44) (462) Other comprehensive income - (554) (554) Advance under Other Liabilities. Proceeds from the sale of investments 1,510 1,525 The following significant changes Total comprehensive income / These individual equity reserves are in the overall composition of assets Proceeds from the sale of buildings, plant and equipment 1 - (loss) for the period 3,608 (554) 3,054 detailed and further described in and liabilities arose from 2018-19 to Net cash to investing activities (2,189) (1,477) Note 7. 2019-20: Financing Activities Net transfer to Bush Heritage Other comprehensive income, being • $2.4 million increase in Cash due General Reserve (3,660) 3,660 - Payment of finance lease liabilities (678) (546) entirely comprised of the net fair mainly to the operating surplus Net transfer from Bush Heritage Repayment of borrowings (634) (179) value gains or losses on financial recorded for the year; Restricted Funds Reserve - - - Net cash to financing activities (1,312) (725) assets recorded for the financial • $1.3 million increase in Net transfer from Midlands Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,433 (1,431) Conservation Fund Reserve 52 (52) year, is directly allocated to the Net Investments due mainly to the Unrealised Gains/(Losses) Reserve. Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,790 4,221 At 31 March 2020 7 - 47,572 47,572 investment during the year of Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 5,223 2,790 $1.3 million of cash held in 2019 2019 2019 The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the Midlands Conservation Fund as $’000 $’000 $’000 at 31 March 2019; accompanying notes. At 1 April 2018 - 47,112 47,112 • Reclassification of a $1.1 million (Deficit) for the period (2,550) - (2,550) Discussion and Analysis – of Investment assets, particularly in loan from non-current to current Consolidated Statement of Cash Midlands Conservation Fund as it Other comprehensive income - 134 134 to reflect the expiry of the loan Flows restructured its investment portfolio term during 2020-21 (an early Total comprehensive income for during the year. repayment of $0.3 million was the period (2,550) 134 (2,416) Changes in Cash Flows from made in March 2020); and Adjustment to opening Equity Operating Activities Changes in Cash Flows from arising from the impact of AASB There was a $5.1 million increase Financing Activities • $3.0 million increase in Equity 16 Leases - (178) (178) due to the recorded operating in net cash from operating activities During 2019-20, Bush Heritage Net transfer from Bush Heritage for 2019-20, compared to the prior surplus. General Reserve 570 (570) - continued to make required year. This increase was driven by repayments on motor vehicle leases, Net transfer from Bush Heritage several large gifts received for specific Restricted Funds Reserve 1,899 (1,899) - the office lease and insurance projects and bushfire recovery premium funding facilities. Also, in Net transfer from Midlands measures planned for 2020-21, which Conservation Fund Reserve 81 (81) - March 2020 $0.3 million was repaid then remained unspent as at 31 early from the National Australia At 31 March 2019 7 - 44,518 44,518 March 2020. The higher closing cash Bank loan, bringing the balance The Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction balance will be drawn down in 2020- down to $1.1 million as at 31 March with the accompanying notes. 21 to fund planned conservation and 2020. The increased cash applied infrastructure project expenditure. to financing activities in 2019- Changes in Cash Flows from 20 reflects these higher loan and Investing Activities lease repayments during 2019-20 compared to 2018-19. The major investment activity in 2019–20 was movement in and out

40 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 41 Notes to the Concise A full description of the accounting Note 2. Revenue of landscape-scale plans and communications expenses to Fund Investment Committee of the policies adopted by Bush Heritage partnerships. facilitate meetings of the Board. Bush Heritage Board and subject to Consolidated Financial 2020 2019 is provided in the Full Consolidated the Capital Fund Charter. Statements for the year $'000 $'000 • Supporting land management Note 4. Investments Financial Report. ended 31 March 2020 Note 2(a). Supporter partnerships including staff Investments held in the Midlands contributions and costs, expenses associated 2020 2019 Note 1. Corporate Information and The current financial period is $'000 $'000 Conservation Fund are directly grants with preparing management the year ended 31 March 2020. (a) Investments held overseen by the Midlands Basis of Preparation Donations and gifts 19,220 14,577 Comparative amounts for the year plans, and expenses associated by company Conservation Fund Board of Bush Heritage is a not-for-profit, ended 31 March 2019 have been Grants 794 656 with conservation actions Directors and as at 31 March 2020 public company limited by Bush Heritage re-stated where necessary to be Bequests 5,194 2,590 such as fire management, feral Australia are held in Australian managed guarantee. Members are nominated consistent with the accounting animal control, weed control, investment funds or term deposits and determined in accordance with Total supporter · Bush Heritage policies adopted in the current contributions revegetation, species recovery and Capital Fund 7,187 6,968 placed with Australian banks. the company’s Constitution. If the financial period. and grants 25,208 17,823 protection; and expenses related company is wound up then each · Other Note 5. Interest Bearing Liabilities Note 2(b). Interest to ecological survey, monitoring investments 104 82 member is required to contribute a The consolidated financial and investment and evaluation and cultural values 2020 2019 7,291 7,050 maximum of $10 towards meeting statements in this Concise income assessment and protection. $'000 $'000 Midlands any outstanding obligations of the Consolidated Financial Report Dividends 284 518 Loans company. As at 31 March 2020 comprise the financial statements Note 3(b). Conservation Conservation Fund 3,607 2,535 Interest 134 105 Communities, Events and Education Repayable within the number of members was 72. of Bush Heritage and its controlled Closing balance 10,898 9,585 one year 1,257 118 entity, the Midlands Conservation Realised gains 142 36 Includes expenses associated with Bush Heritage is listed on the (b) Reconciliation Repayable after one Commonwealth Government’s Fund Ltd (MCF). Total interest and building conservation communities, of movement in year but not more than Register of Environmental investment income 560 659 including via online and newsletter investments five years - 1,416 • MCF is a separate public Organisations, certifying it as a communications, media engagement Opening balance 9,585 10,288 company limited by guarantee, Total loan payments 1,257 1,534 Deductible Gift Recipient, which Note 3. Expenses and the management of the website, jointly managed by Bush Additions 10,174 3,142 Total Interest authorises Bush Heritage to issue Note 3(a). Conservation bequestor and other events, Heritage and the Tasmanian Disposals (8,307) (3,984) Bearing Liabilities 1,257 1,534 tax-deductible receipts for donations Management management of the supporter Land Conservancy. MCF has Included in the over $2. database, supporter enquiries Realisation of net its own Board of Directors and Conservation management expenses fair value gains financial statements and other conservation-related as: This Concise Consolidated Financial constitutional objectives. include the following key items: previously brought communications. to account (395) (56) Current 1,257 118 Report has been prepared in • Under the MCF Constitution, • Conservation reserve costs, accordance with the presentation and Note 3(c). Fundraising Activities Net fair value Non-current - 1,416 Bush Heritage has the capacity including for practical gains/(losses) disclosure requirements of AASB to control MCF and therefore conservation purposes such Includes expenses incurred in brought to account 1,257 1,534 1039 Concise Financial Reports for is required by Accounting establishing the case for and then during the financial as fire management, feral To date, $384,000 has been repaid distribution to the members. The Standards to consolidate MCF asking existing supporters for year (159) 195 animal control, weed control, early of the initial $1,500,000 loan Concise Consolidated Financial into this Concise Consolidated revegetation, species recovery donations and gifts to support Bush Closing balance 10,898 9,585 Report is presented in Australian with National Australia Bank (NAB) Financial Report. and protection, expenses related Heritage’s conservation activities. Bush Heritage actively raises funds dollars and all values are rounded to taken out for the purpose of acquiring • Under the Accounting Standards, to ecological survey, monitoring Includes fundraising staff and other in addition to the purchase price and the nearest thousand dollars ($’000) the Pullen Pullen, Queensland control is said to exist because and evaluation, cultural values associated costs. operating costs of our conservation unless otherwise stated, using the conservation reserve. The balance Bush Heritage has the right to assessment and protection, staff reserves in order to create an option available to Bush Heritage Note 3(d). Investment in New is due in December 2020 and Bush direct the activities of MCF and costs, managing conflicting land Supporters endowment for the long-term Heritage is currently considering under ASIC Class Order 2016/191. through that right has the ability use proposals and external rights, Includes the cost of recruiting new financial security and independence options including repaying or seeking Bush Heritage is an entity to which to affect the returns it derives associated ownership costs such financial supporters to ensure the of the properties we manage. This to fully or partially re-finance the loan the Class Order applies. from MCF. The returns to as rates and taxes, expenses ongoing viability of Bush Heritage’s fundamental strategy has led to the for a further term. Interest is charged Note 1(a). Significant Accounting Bush Heritage are non-financial associated with operating conservation activities. creation of the significant investment on the loan at variable rates and NAB Policies returns that arise because MCF’s each reserve’s infrastructure, portfolio currently held. holds a registered mortgage over the preparing management plans for The financial statements and specific conservation objectives contribute Note 3(e). Organisational Support Pullen Pullen property as security for reserves, organising volunteer The Bush Heritage Capital Fund disclosures required by AASB 1039 directly to Bush Heritage’s Includes activities that ensure the the loan. support, organising field trips to was established by Board Resolution are an extract of, and have been conservation objectives. Under Company is resilient, well-operated reserves, building and managing on 27 February 2015, with the derived from, Bush Heritage’s Full the MCF Constitution, MCF and lasting. This includes in the cannot pay financial dividends relations with other land owners. opening balance being drawn from Consolidated Financial Report for areas of governance and compliance, Bush Heritage’s existing investment to Bush Heritage or to any other • Development of conservation the year ended 31 March 2020. finance, information technology, portfolio. The Capital Fund has member. science, policy and strategy Other information included in the employee development, worker safety been established with the aim of including staff costs, expenses Concise Consolidated Financial and day to day administration of further enhancing the long-term relating to assessment of potential Report is consistent with Bush Bush Heritage. All Bush Heritage financial security of our properties. new reserves and partnerships, Heritage’s Full Consolidated directors provide their time on Investments of the Capital Fund are and expenses relating to Financial Report. a volunteer basis, however some professionally managed by an external development and maintenance costs are incurred in travel and manager, overseen by the Capital

42 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 43 Note 6. Leases Note 7. Equity Reserves Note 8. Events After the Reporting Note 9. State and Territory Government Fundraising Legislation Period Requirements 2020 2019 2020 2019 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 The Directors and Management As a national organisation, Bush Heritage conducts fundraising operations Repayable within have made assessments, based on in all States and Territories. Several State and Territory Governments one year 631 636 Bush Heritage General Reserve (i) available information up to the have specific licensing and reporting requirements aimed at informing and Repayable after one Opening balance 39,976 40,723 signing of these financial statements, protecting the interests of donors. Bush Heritage holds the following licences: year but not more than Net surplus / (deficit) attributable to Bush Heritage 3,660 (2,468) five years 902 1,309 of the likely impact of the global Net transfer from/(to) Bush Heritage Restricted Fund - 1,899 pandemic declared in 2020 by the Australian Charitable Collections Act 2003, Licence not required Total minimum lease Capital as Bush Heritage Australia is registered with Australian payments 1,533 1,945 Adjustment to opening Equity arising from the impact of World Health Organisation (WHO) AASB 16 Leases - (178) on Bush Heritage’s financial results, Territory Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Less amounts representing finance Closing balance 43,636 39,976 position and operations in subsequent New South Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, Charitable Fundraising charges (89) (151) financial years. As at the date of Bush Heritage Restricted Funds Reserve (ii) Wales Authority 17412 Present value of signing of these financial statements, Opening balance - 1,899 minimum lease it is anticipated that Bush Heritage’s Queensland Collections Act 1966, Certificate of Sanction No. CP payments 1,444 1,794 Additional restricted funds received - - revenues may significantly decrease 4954 Included in the financial Net transfer from/(to) Bush Heritage General Reserve - (1,899) in 2020-21 compared with 2019-20. Tasmania Collections for Charities Act 2001, Approval 10/02/09 statements as: In order to offset this anticipated Closing balance - - F1A-320 Current 572 561 decrease in revenue, deferrals of and Midlands Conservation Fund Reserve (iii) Victoria Fundraising Act 1998, Registration Number 9971-18 Non-current 872 1,233 reductions to planned operating and Opening balance 3,991 4,072 capital expenditure and changes to 1,444 1,794 South Collections for Charitable Purposes Act 1939, Net surplus / deficit) attributable to Midlands planned financing arrangements Australia Licence not required Bush Heritage had 18 leased vehicles Conservation Fund Reserve (52) (81) have been made for 2020-21, along as at 31 March 2020 (2019: 25). Closing balance 3,939 3,991 with accessing government assistance Western Charitable Collections Act 1946, Licence No: 21446 Interest on the leases is fixed and Net Unrealised Gains/(Losses) Reserve (iv) packages where available. The impact Australia each vehicle acts as security for the of the pandemic on financial years Opening balance 551 417 Northern There are no applicable fundraising licensing lessor. Currently held lease contracts subsequent to 2020-21 will be made Realisation of net fair value gains previously brought to over the course of the financial year. Territory requirements in the . expire within periods of one month account (395) (64) after 31 March 2020 up to four The Directors and Management also The complete declaration required under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 years. At the end of each lease term, Net fair value gains / (losses) brought to account during the financial year (159) 198 note that the pandemic represents a (NSW) is available in the Full Consolidated Financial Report. ownership is retained by Bush Closing balance (3) 551 fluid and quickly changing situation Heritage if all obligations under the and that there remains an inherent Directors’ declaration contract have been met. The assets Total Equity Reserves 47,572 44,518 uncertainty in any such assessment In accordance with a resolution of the directors of Bush Heritage Australia, associated with these leases are until such time as the disruption (i) The Bush Heritage General the use of this Reserve and any tied the directors of the company declare that: reflected in the balance of Right-of- caused by the pandemic abates Reserve represents the accumulated funding received that meets the Use Assets. and its social, health and financial (a) the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Australian supporter contributions and other requirements of AASB 15 is now Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012, the Australian Bush Heritage holds a lease on its impacts are fully understood. net earnings that Bush Heritage has reflected in Revenue Received in Accounting Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements, and other head office space in Collins Street, received since inception and which Advance under Other Liabilities. No other circumstance has arisen mandatory professional reporting requirements; Melbourne, Victoria. Under AASB have been applied to the acquisition since the end of the financial year (iii) The Midlands Conservation (b) the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the 16 Leases, the future payments for of land and other capital assets for which is not otherwise dealt with Fund (MCF) Reserve is held group’s financial position as at 31 March 2020 and of its performance for the lease are recognised in the balance conservation purposes. in this Concise Consolidated separately within MCF Ltd as a the financial year ended on that date; and sheet along with a corresponding Financial Report or in the Full capital fund, the earnings from which Right-of-Use Asset. Bush Heritage (ii) The former Bush Heritage Consolidated Financial Report that (c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to are to provide for annual stewardship has adopted this treatment as from Restricted Funds Reserve has significantly affected or may pay their debts as and when they become due and payable. payments to landholders for long- 1 April 2018 and the amounts of the represented funds received by significantly affect the operations term protection and management of On behalf of the Board future lease payments are reflected in Bush Heritage that were tied by of the company, the results of those the Tasmanian Midlands. this Note. the company to specific future operations or the state of affairs of conservation-related purposes and (iv) The Net Unrealised Gains/ the company in subsequent financial which were yet to be applied to those (Losses) Reserve records net periods. purposes as at the end of a financial movements in the investment year. In adopting the requirements of portfolio arising from ongoing AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts revaluations of the portfolio assets to with Customers from 1 April 2018, market values. Christopher Grubb, Nicholas Burton Taylor, Bush Heritage has discontinued President Vice President & Treasurer

Melbourne, 10 June 2020

44 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 45

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Bush AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SECTION 60-40 OF THE AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES AND NOT FOR PROFITS COMMISSION ACT 2012 TO THE IndependentHeritage Australia Auditor’s Report to the Members of Bush DIRECTORS OF BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA HeritageReport on the Australia Concise Financial Report I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief during the year ended 31 March 2020 there have been: ReportOpinion on the Concise Financial Report AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SECTION 60-40 OF THE no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the AUSTRALIAN— CHARITIES AND NOT FOR PROFITS COMMISSION ACT 2012 TO THE TheOpinion Concise Financial Report, which comprises the consolidated statement of financial Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Bush DIRECTORS OF BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA position as at 31 March 2020, the consolidated statement of profit & loss and other and HeritageThecomprehensive Concise Financial Australia income, Report, consolidated which comprisesstatement ofthe changes consolidated in equi statementty and consolidated of financial I— declare no contraventions that, to the best of anyof my applicable knowledge code and of belief professional during theconduct year endedin relation 31 March to the positionstatement as of at cash 31 March flows 2020,for the the year consolidated then ended, statement and related of pronotes,fit & isloss derived and otherfrom the 2020 audit. there have been: comprehensiveReportaudited Financial on the income, Concise Report consolidated of FinancialBush Heritage statement Report Australia of changes and its subsidiary in equity and for theconsolidated year ended — no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the statement31 March 2020.of cash The flows Concise for the Financial year then Report ended, also and includes related discussionnotes, is derived and analysis from the and Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; auditedtheOpinion directors’ Financial declaration. Report of Bush Heritage Australia and its subsidiary for the year ended and 31 March 2020. The Concise Financial Report also includes discussion and analysis and ThetheIn our directors’ Concise opinion, Financialdeclaration. the accompanying Report, which Concise comprises Financial the consolidatedReport including statement the discussion of financial and William— no contraventions Buck Audit of (Vic) any applicablePty Ltd code of professional conduct in relation to the position analysis asand at the 31 directors’March 2020, declaration the consolidated complies statement with Accounting of profit Standard & loss and AASB other 1039 ABN:audit. 59 116 151 136 comprehensiveInConcise our opinion, Financial the income, Reports.accompanying consolidated Concise statement Financial of changes Report includingin equity andthe discussionconsolidated and statementanalysis and of cashthe directors’ flows for declaration the year then complies ended, with and Accountingrelated notes, Standard is derived AASB from 1039 the Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Bush IndependentauditedConcise Financial Financial Financial Report Reports. Auditor’s Reporting of Bush Heritage Report Australia to theand its Members subsidiary for theof yearBush ended 31 March 2020. The Concise Financial Report also includes discussion and analysis and Heritage Australia HeritagetheTheConcise directors’ Concise Financial Financial declaration.Australia Reporting Report does not contain all the disclosures required by Australian William Buck Audit (Vic) Pty Ltd A.P. Marks Accounting Standards. Reading the Concise Financial Report and the auditor’s report ABN:Report 59 on 116 the 151 Concise 136 Financial Report Report on the Concise Financial Report Director TheInthereon, our Concise opinion, therefore, Financial the accompanyingis not Report a substitute does Concise not for contain reading Financial all the the Reportaudited disclosures including Financial required the Report discussion by andAustralian the and

Accountinganalysisauditor’s andreport Standards. the thereon. directors’ Reading declaration the Concise complies Financial with Accounting Report and Standard the auditor’s AASB report 1039 Opinion Opinion Melbourne thereon,Concise Financialtherefore, Reports. is not a substitute for reading the audited Financial Report and the

10 June 2020 auditor’sThe Audited report Financialthereon. Report and Our Report Thereon The Concise Financial Report, which comprises the consolidated statement of financial The Concise Financial Report, which comprises the consolidated statement of financial Concise Financial Reporting A.P.position Marks as at 31 March 2020, the consolidated statement of profit & loss and other position as at 31 March 2020, the consolidated statement of profit & loss and other WeThe expressed Audited anFinancial unmodified Report audit andopinion Our on Report the audited Thereon Financial Report in our report Directorcomprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated Thedated Concise 102 June June Financial 2020.2020. Report does not contain all the disclosures required by Australian statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and related notes, is derived from the statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and related notes, is derived from the WeAccounting expressed Standards. an unmodified Reading audit the opinion Concise on Financial the audited Report Financial and the Report auditor’s in our report report Melbourneaudited Financial Report of Bush Heritage Australia and its subsidiary for the year ended audited Financial Report of Bush Heritage Australia and its subsidiary for the year ended datedthereon,Responsibility 2 June therefore, 2020. of is the not Directorsa substitute for for readingthe Concise the audited Financial Financial Report Report and the 1031 JuneMarch 2020 2020. The Concise Financial Report also includes discussion and analysis and 31 March 2020. The Concise Financial Report also includes discussion and analysis and the directors’ declaration. the auditor’s directors’ report declaration. thereon. TheResponsibility directors of the of Companythe Directors are responsible for the Concise for the preparation Financial of Report the Concise Financial In our opinion, the accompanying Concise Financial Report including the discussion and In ReportThe our Audited opinion, in accordance theFinancial accompanying with ReportAccounting Concise and Standard Our Financial Report AASB Report Thereon 1039 including Concise theFinancial discussion Reports, and analysis and the directors’ declaration complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 analysisThe and thedirectors Corporations and the of thedirectors’ Company Act 2001, declaration are and responsible for complies such internal for with the Accounting controlspreparation as Standardthe of thedirectors Concise AASB determine Financial1039 Concise Financial Reports. ConciseReportWeare necessaryexpressed in Financial accordance toan enable unmodifiedReports. with the Accounting preparing audit opinion Standardof the on Concise the AASB audited Financial 1039 Financial Concise Report. Report Financial in our Reports, report datedand the 2 JuneCorporations 2020. Act 2001, and for such internal controls as the directors determine Concise Financial Reporting Auditor’sConciseare necessary FinancialResponsibility to enable Reporting the preparing of the Concise Financial Report. Responsibility of the Directors for the Concise Financial Report The Concise Financial Report does not contain all the disclosures required by Australian OurThe responsibility Concise Financial is to express Report doesan opinion not contain on whether all the the disclosures Concise Financialrequired by Report Australian complies, in all Accounting Standards. Reading the Concise Financial Report and the auditor’s report materialAccountingThe directors aspects, Standards. of the with Company AASB Reading 1039 are the Conciseresponsible Concise Financial Financial for the Reports preparation Report based and of the onthe auditor’s our Concise procedures, report Financial which were thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited Financial Report and the conductedthereon,Report in therefore, accordancein accordance is notwith witha Accountingsubstitute Auditing for Standard reading AASBASAthe audited 810 1039 Engagements FinancialConcise Financial Report to Report and Reports, theon Summary Financial auditor’s report thereon. Statements.auditor’sand the Corporations report thereon. Act 2001, and for such internal controls as the directors determine are necessary to enable the preparing of the Concise Financial Report. The Audited Financial Report and Our Report Thereon The Audited Financial Report and Our Report Thereon

We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited Financial Report in our report We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited Financial Report in our report William Buck Audit (Vic) Pty Ltd dated 2 June 2020. dated 2 June 2020. ABN 59 116 151 136 Responsibility of the Directors for the Concise Financial Report Responsibility of the Directors for the Concise Financial Report

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the Concise Financial The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the Concise Financial

Report in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, Report in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, A.P. Marks and the Corporations Act 2001, and for such internal controls as the directors determine and the Corporations Act 2001, and for such internal controls as the directors determine Director are necessary to enable the preparing of the Concise Financial Report. are necessary to enable the preparing of the Concise Financial Report. Melbourne, 10 June 2020

46 IMPACT REPORT 2019-2020 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA 47

What’s next? Make a difference

To help us achieve our goals for the year to come, please fill out the Postcode Bushfire recovery and preparedness perforated donation coupon and return it to our reply paid address, or visit Upscaling our work on bushfire-affected reserves like

www.bushheritage.org.au/donate

Scottsdale has never been so important. Priorities include controlling feral animals and weeds, managing erosion

y Date y and sedimentation, and monitoring the recovery of plants Visa MasterCard AMEX Diners State Last name Last Date of birth of Date and animals. We’re also growing our fire management Expir All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. team and strengthening right-way fire practices across the country.

Signature Supporting the conservationists of tomorrow

Our internship, volunteer and student placements are order (enclosed) Cheque/money key to engaging and fostering the conservationists of Phone tomorrow. As part of our growing program, we are via: developing mentorship opportunities to enable our volunteers to pair up and exchange expertise, while gaining hands-on practical experience in the field.

30 years of impact With our thirtieth anniversary fast approaching in 2021, we are planning ways to celebrate, give thanks to our supporters and build on all we have achieved

over the past 30 years, so we can continue to engage and inspire for generations to come.

Protecting more land than ever before name First

Over the coming year we will be expanding one of our reserves in south-eastern Australia and assessing others for acquisition in line with our conservation strategy. We

will also be looking for new ways to engage Aboriginal Y partners and exploring fee-for-service opportunities its goals for the future. to help Bush Heritage achieve I want es, that would allow us to expand our conservation impact. Title Address Email no. I will give $ Card name Cardholder’s will. Please send me information about including a gift to Bush Heritage in my

Climate change resilience and adaptability From detailed modelling and research, we know that climate change will significantly impact many of the

landscapes we protect. Currently, volunteers and researchers are gathering data about what makes the species on our reserves more vulnerable or resilient to climate change so we can help give them the best chance of survival.

2 Morning light on Tarcutta Hills Reserve in NSW. Photo by Annette Ruzicka Our work needs to continue. Bush Heritage is a national not-for-profit organisation donations from generous funded by supporters you. like Please return to: Bush Heritage Australia, 329, Reply Paid Flinders Lane VIC 8009 can also donate online at: bushheritage.org.au/donate You is at bushheritage.org.au/privacy Our Privacy Policy Your gift will ensure it can. Your

48 49 BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA

DM ANNUALRPT Will you help us achieve our goals for the year to come?

Bush Heritage Australia ABN 78 053 639 115 Level 1, 395 Collins Street PO Box 329 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 8009 T: (03) 8610 9100 T: 1300 628 873 (1300 NATURE) F: (03) 8610 9199 E: [email protected] W: www.bushheritage.org.au Follow Bush Heritage on:

Monjebup Reserve, WA

Cover photo: A Honey Possum trapped during fauna monitoring in revegetation on Monjebup Reserve, WA, refuels on sugar syrup before it is released back into the bush. Photo by Kieran MacFarlane

Creative Viola Design. This publication uses 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled fibre, made with a carbon-neutral manufacturing process, using vegetable-based inks.