Margie Matheson, right, has big dreams for this place. By Margie Matheson
SOME time ago, I was researching Henry’s Creek Sanctuary, Loch. It led me to a story about Gordon and Joan Henry written by Gill Heal and shared in the Bass Coast Post in 2014.
Gordon’s and Joan’s passion and vision for this property lit me up. As I walked the property with a local real estate agent a year ago, shivers ran through my entire being.
But my heart sank to see the property in its current shape. Bridges had collapsed. Bush tracks were almost unrecognisable. Two foxes ran out of the bush.
SOME time ago, I was researching Henry’s Creek Sanctuary, Loch. It led me to a story about Gordon and Joan Henry written by Gill Heal and shared in the Bass Coast Post in 2014.
Gordon’s and Joan’s passion and vision for this property lit me up. As I walked the property with a local real estate agent a year ago, shivers ran through my entire being.
But my heart sank to see the property in its current shape. Bridges had collapsed. Bush tracks were almost unrecognisable. Two foxes ran out of the bush.
All the effort that had gone into creating a sanctuary that had so much to offer … then left to such dilapidation. Such sadness.
Hang on a minute, I thought … I see people in our community like this bridge: lost, lonely and abandoned. I have seen in it in schools as a teacher. I experienced this in my now-ended marriage.
Hang on a minute, I thought … I see people in our community like this bridge: lost, lonely and abandoned. I have seen in it in schools as a teacher. I experienced this in my now-ended marriage.
 "There are no foxes or cats in Henry’s Creek Sanctuary. Instead, inside this 100-acre Trust for Nature property with its six-foot electric fence, you’ll find 300-year-old messmates and more than 120 different types of birds. It’s the habitat of the yellow-bellied glider and the Leadbeater possum, the powerful owl and wedge-tailed eagle. This property, preserving the last of the Bass Valley ecosystem, is the legacy of Joan and Gordon Henry." By Gill Heal, Bass Coast Post, February 2014 | Underneath the layers, the heart of each of us still beats. Just like Henry’s Creek Sanctuary. This property holds infinite value in so many diverse ways. That feeling of sadness changed into gratitude. I started to think “What if …” What if Henry’s Creek Sanctuary offered a place to connect with self … and community and nature? What if we shared tools and linked in with skills within our community? What if the community came together providing financial support and skills to bring our damaged young and older people back to life, whilst bringing this property back to life as well? My intentions are to “rebuild” the sanctuary whilst people “rebuild” themselves. To make this a gathering place. |
To reopen Henry’s Creek Sanctuary to schools/universities, photography groups, and the like, as Gordon and Joan did. Offering regeneration workshops and permaculture farming workshops, amongst many other activities, even “retreats” sleeping under the stars atop the highest part of this property.
But I need help to purchase and secure this magical farming setting … If you are interested, please contact me for a prospectus to learn more about being a part of this rebirthing of “soul and soil”. (Ray Milidoni, Farming Secrets).
Margie Matheson is the founder of BACKinTRACKtion, which aims to reconnect families by using hands-on learning in “understanding the misunderstanding”. It is currently based on a farm between Bena and Jeetho. Contact her at [email protected] or 0455 580 232.
But I need help to purchase and secure this magical farming setting … If you are interested, please contact me for a prospectus to learn more about being a part of this rebirthing of “soul and soil”. (Ray Milidoni, Farming Secrets).
Margie Matheson is the founder of BACKinTRACKtion, which aims to reconnect families by using hands-on learning in “understanding the misunderstanding”. It is currently based on a farm between Bena and Jeetho. Contact her at [email protected] or 0455 580 232.