We met Kathy at her home for a morning visit. April Newton from Trust for Nature joined us there too. She is a Senior Project Officer, South Central Area.
The property, owned by Kathy and her late husband Bill, consists of 20 acres of woodland and has a Trust for Nature covenant. We had a wander around the paths marked out among the trees. Yellow Scented Sun-orchids were in bud in one spot. Quite a few Waxlip orchids and Blue Stars were to be seen. We had a great view of a Sacred Kingfisher near a water hole. A good patch of Common Bird-orchids in flower were also seen near the house.
Kathy then showed us the various sustainable features that are incorporated into the house, which is off-grid. The house is a curved shape giving better protection from bush fires. It also has special ventilation features. Solar panels charge batteries under the house, which provide sufficient power for most of the year. A back-up generator comes on automatically when required, usually in winter when the daylight hours are shorter. There is a wood stove for heating and some cooking, fuelled by the ample piles of wood that are near the house. A large bladder-type water tank is also under the house and can be topped up from a regular tank. All waste is treated in a worm-farm waste system.
ABN 23 918 778 150
Incorporation No A0044963D