Restoring Country & Industry Collaboration

Restoring Country isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about reconnecting landscapes, regenerating ecosystems, and ensuring that future generations inherit land that is healthy, diverse, and sustainable.” – Bruce Waia, Indigenous Project Officer, WYLD Projects

At this Kinkuna Farm, conservation efforts are well underway to restore degraded land, rebuild ecosystems, and provide hands-on training opportunities for future land managers. This initiative is being carried out with the support of Red Ash Consulting, WYLD Projects, and Macadamia Farm Management (MFM).

Students undertaking their Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (CAEM) are gaining valuable experience by taking part in land rehabilitation, weed control, and native tree planting, with input from all supporting organisations.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students,” says Brad Crosbie, WYLD Projects Team Member. “They’re not just gaining work experience; they’re actively helping to heal the land and learning skills they can take into conservation careers.”

Design by Macadamia Farm Management

Restoring Balance: Science & Traditional Knowledge

“We call this ‘upside-down Country.’ It’s out of balance, and we need to correct it.” – Bruce Waia

One of the biggest challenges in restoring this land is reversing the effects of previous land use, bushfires, and invasive species. Over time, fast-growing pioneer species have dominated the landscape, creating dense, low-level canopies that choke out native biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem function.

“After a hot burn, these trees shoot up fast, but in the wrong way—too low, too thick. The ground is bare, the balance is off. We need to bring back the taller trees, the top canopy, so that sunlight reaches the forest floor again. That’s where real regeneration happens.” – Bruce Waia

To restore the ecosystem, the team is focusing on:
🌿 Planting native gum trees to create a healthy upper canopy.
🌾 Managing invasive regrowth that suppresses native regeneration.
🌱 Enhancing biodiversity by restoring habitat for local wildlife.

These efforts are supported by Red Ash Consulting, WYLD Projects, and MFM’s Horticulturalist, Chris Cannizzaro, ensuring that the approach integrates ecological science, traditional knowledge, and sustainable land management principles.

Training the Next Generation of Land Stewards

“They’re not just learning—they’re doing. This is the best way to teach conservation.” – Brad Crosbie, WYLD Projects Mentor

Through their participation, CAEM students are gaining real-world skills in:
✅ Native tree planting – Introducing species critical to long-term ecosystem health.
✅ Weed and land management – Controlling invasive species and improving soil conditions.
✅ Operating conservation tools – Learning to use whipper snippers and other essential land care equipment.
✅ Caring for cultural sites – Understanding the role of Indigenous land management practices.

“Everything we do follows a process. We’re teaching them the right way to restore Country, not just for today, but for the next generation.” – Brad Crosbie, WYLD Projects Mentor

Watch the Restoration in Action 🎥

See the team in action as they contribute to restoring Country, planting native trees, and learning hands-on conservation skills.

Native Species Restoration: Planting for the Future 🌱

“After a hot burn, these trees shoot up fast, but in the wrong way—too low, too thick. The ground is bare, the balance is off. We need to bring back the taller trees, the top canopy, so that sunlight reaches the forest floor again. That’s where real regeneration happens.” – Bruce Waia

One of the biggest challenges in restoring this land is correcting “upside-down Country”—where fast-growing pioneer species take over after fire, creating dense, low canopies that smother native vegetation and reduce biodiversity.

To restore the natural balance, students planted native gum species carefully selected to support long-term ecosystem recovery:

🌿 Eucalyptus hallii (Broad-Leaved White Mahogany) – An endangered species, vital for creating a high canopy and improving habitat diversity.

🌿 Eucalyptus exserta (Queensland Peppermint Gum) – A native species that stabilises soil, supports local wildlife, and contributes to a healthy forest structure.

These trees will help rebuild the upper canopy, allowing light to filter through and encouraging a more diverse range of plant life to return. By restoring the right species in the right places, the project is helping the land heal naturally while ensuring the ecosystem is resilient to future changes.

Safety, Awareness & Respect for Country

“Before we even begin, we talk about respect—respect for the land, for the wildlife, and for each other.” – Bruce Waia

Conservation work requires a strong focus on safety, environmental awareness, and cultural respect. Teams are trained in first aid, navigation, and managing environmental hazards to ensure safe working conditions.

“We remind everyone about sun protection, hydration, and hazards like snakes or rough terrain. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about learning to navigate and care for Country properly.” – Brad Crosbie, WYLD Projects Supervisor

Restoration efforts continue with the ongoing support of Red Ash Consulting, WYLD Projects, and Macadamia Farm Management, ensuring that progress remains sustainable and aligned with long-term conservation goals.

Looking to the Future

“We’re not just restoring land—we’re restoring identity. Country has a way it’s meant to be, and it’s our job to bring it back.” – Bruce Waia

As the project progresses, the landscape will continue to regenerate, providing habitat for native species and reinforcing the connection between conservation, culture, and sustainable land management.

📸 Stay tuned for more updates as this important conservation work unfolds!

📽️ Watch: Restoring Country🌱

This video captures the on-ground efforts of students, conservation experts, and Indigenous land stewards working to restore ecosystems.

▶️ Watch the full video here:

📺 Ecosystem Restoration & Conservation

This video captures the on-ground efforts of students, conservation experts, and Indigenous land stewards working to restore ecosystems.

🔽 Jump to Key Moments Below 🔽

🛠 Project Overview & Restoration Goals

⏳ 0:00 – Introduction
🌿 0:08 – The Importance of Land Restoration & Conservation
🌏 0:30 – Giving Back to Country: Community & Cultural Connection

🔥 Addressing Fire Recovery & Ecosystem Balance

🌳 1:12 – The Problem of “Upside-Down Country” & Bushfire Impact
🌱 1:50 – Restoring the Canopy: Why Tree Structure Matters

📚 Training & Learning in Action

🦺 3:39 – Safety & Planning in Conservation Work
🖤💛❤️ 4:00 – Indigenous Knowledge & Land Management with Bruce Waia
📖 5:03 – Student Training: Gaining Real-World Conservation Skills

🌲 Planting & Ecological Restoration

🌱 6:00 – How to Properly Plant Native Tube Stock
🌿 7:00 – Checking Root Growth & Preparing the Soil
🌳 8:01 – Native Species Overview: Eucalyptus hallii & Eucalyptus exserta
🛠 9:09 – Best Practices for Tree Spacing & Mixing Plantings

🏡 Looking to the Future

🔄 9:40 – Final Reflections: Restoring Identity Through Conservation

💡 Want to Learn More?
📌 Discover more about WYLD Projects & their conservation work: WYLD Projects Facebook
📌 Learn more about Red Ash Consulting: https://www.redashconsulting.com.au/

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