Welcome to our journey of transforming Amaris into a thriving oasis, even in the face of drought. Our project has been a labour of love, supported by generous grants and the dedication of our community. Here’s how we’ve turned our vision into reality.

The Vision

Our goal was to create a sanctuary for native wildlife, particularly black cockatoos and critically endangered ringtail possums and our beloved kangaroos, by expanding our WIRES native garden and installing essential water sources. This oasis would provide a reliable supply of food and water, ensuring the survival and well-being of local species during dry periods.

Grants and Support

We received invaluable support from WIRES, which funded native plants, reticulation, two water tanks, and temporary fencing. These resources were crucial in establishing a sustainable environment. Additionally, a grant from NRM DPIRD enabled us to install the innovative Cockitrough® bird watering station, further enhancing our conservation efforts.

The 3 K Kids tucked in for the night
There’s nothing quite like the sight of our little joeys—snuggled up with full bellies and a fresh bundle of native green browse. It’s their bedtime ritual, and it’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Fresh native browse isn’t just a treat—it’s essential for the health and development of growing joeys. It supports their digestion, encourages natural foraging behaviours, and provides vital nutrients that help them grow strong and resilient for life in the wild.

Fresh Browse, Happy Joeys!
Did you know that pen joeys need access to fresh native browse every single day? It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about comfort, enrichment, and helping them learn the skills they’ll need to survive in the wild. Fresh leaves and branches provide essential nutrients, hydration, and a sense of familiarity that supports their development and wellbeing.
That’s why we’re so excited about our native garden!
Planted with love and purpose, this garden is already making a big difference. It’s giving us a sustainable, on-site source of fresh browse for our joeys—reducing the need to forage far and wide, and ensuring our little ones always have what they need to thrive.
Every leaf matters. Every branch helps. And every joey deserves the best start we can give them.

Expanding the WIRES Native Garden

With the WIRES grant, we significantly expanded our native garden. This garden now boasts a diverse array of plants that provide fresh native food daily for our little native animals. The variety and abundance of plants have created a vibrant habitat, supporting a greater diversity of species and promoting healthier ecosystems. The establishment of the WIRES Native Garden and other plantings is crucial for providing habitat and food sources for rescued wildlife. However, the increasing frequency of droughts poses a significant threat to these efforts. Reliable water supply is essential for the survival of these plants, especially the 144 seedlings generously provided by Gillami Centre through a recent donation. Without adequate water, these young plants and the overall ecosystem will struggle to thrive.

Installing Water Tanks and Cockitrough®

The installation of two water tanks has been a game-changer. These tanks ensure a consistent supply of water for the garden and the Cockitrough®. The Cockitrough®, funded by NRM DPIRD, offers a reliable water source for native birds, particularly benefiting endangered species like the black cockatoo. This setup has transformed our garden into a sanctuary where wildlife can thrive, even during droughts. These tanks will provide a sustainable water source during dry periods, reducing our reliance on external water supplies and ensuring that our animals have access to fresh water year-round. By implementing this system, we will create a resilient environment that supports the health and recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife. Additionally, this project will serve as a model for other sanctuaries and communities, demonstrating effective drought-proofing strategies and promoting wildlife conservation.

Community Engagement and Education

Raising community awareness has been a key part of our project. We actively used Facebook to share updates, photos, and videos of wildlife enjoying the garden. Visitors were given tours and educated about the importance of native plants and conservation efforts. Educational workshops further engaged the community, fostering a sense of involvement and support.

Unexpected Benefits

One of the unexpected benefits was the opportunity to educate the workers involved in the project about wildlife and conservation. This educational aspect has fostered a greater understanding and appreciation for conservation among the team. Additionally, the integration of the Cockitrough® with the water tank was an unplanned but valuable addition, enhancing the habitat for native birds.

Kangaroo Encounters

It's been a constant struggle to keep the wild kangaroos out of our garden. Many mornings, our fences have been pushed down, and a large wild male kangaroo is happily munching away on the native plants. These encounters add a touch of humour, frustration and challenge to our conservation efforts!

Nighttime Monitoring

The installation of cameras through the DPIRD Animal Welfare grant ensures we can see what is going on through the night. This allows us to monitor wildlife activity and ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in our garden.

Looking Forward

We are excited about future grant opportunities to further expand our oasis. Our vision includes planting more nut and seed trees, essential for the diet of black cockatoos, and enhancing the overall biodiversity of our garden. With continued support, we can transform Amaris into a sanctuary that plays a crucial role in preserving local wildlife and promoting environmental sustainability. Our wildlife sanctuary is expanding its efforts to create a sustainable environment for native flora and fauna. By installing water tanks, we aim to ensure a consistent water source, supporting the growth of the native garden and other plantings. This project will not only enhance the sanctuary’s resilience to drought but also contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the local ecosystem, benefiting both wildlife and the community.

Our next grant opportunity will focus on installing another water tank that pumps water from the dam. Currently, the water just evaporates, and in our drought climate, every drop matters. By installing water tanks, we aim to ensure a consistent water source, supporting the growth of the native garden and other plantings. This project will not only enhance the sanctuary’s resilience to drought but also contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the local ecosystem, benefiting both wildlife and the community.

Conclusion

Creating an oasis in Amaris has been a rewarding journey, made possible by the support of WIRES and NRM DPIRD. Our project has not only provided essential resources for wildlife but also engaged and educated the community. We look forward to expanding our efforts and continuing to make a positive impact on the environment. The primary aim of this project is to ensure a sustainable water supply for our wildlife sanctuary, particularly during drought periods. By installing water tanks, we seek to achieve the following outcomes:

Enhanced Plant Survival: The WIRES Native Garden and other plantings, including the 144 seedlings from Gillami, will receive consistent water, ensuring their growth and survival.
Improved Wildlife Habitat: A thriving native garden will provide essential habitat and food sources for rescued wildlife, promoting their recovery and well-being.
Increased Resilience: The sanctuary will become more resilient to drought, reducing reliance on external water sources and ensuring a stable environment for both flora and fauna.
Community Education: By sharing our drought-proofing strategies, we aim to inspire and educate other sanctuaries and local communities about sustainable water management.

Through these efforts, we are addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, creating a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem for our native wildlife. The project supports both our group and individual carers. Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary collaborates with various wildlife groups, individual carers, and veterinarians to rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned animals. We provide a safe haven for wildlife from different sources, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. Additionally, Amaris plays a crucial role in sustaining the local wildlife population, especially during droughts when water sources become scarce. We maintain water stations and other resources to support the animals in and around our sanctuary. We have no access to scheme water and rely solely on tanks. Bore water too salty.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can make a difference and create a sustainable future for our native wildlife. 🌿🐦

Creating an Oasis: Drought-Proofing Amaris