About us

Wirrimbirra is a flora & fauna sanctuary run entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Australia's unique flora and fauna. Wirrimbirra's main focus is environmental and wildlife education.

It has over 200 acres of preserved native bushland - the unique flora of the remaining part of the area known as the 'Bargo Brush' in colonial times, but known and frequented much, much longer by the traditional aboriginal peoples including the Tharawal.

It is effectively divided into two distinct portions by the Southern railway line. The eastern portion comprises most of the Sanctuary area and is predominately natural Bargo Brush with some walking trails, signage and western civilisation ruins of buildings and earthworks. The western portion is much smaller and is mostly developed land. This portion contains buildings (visitors centre, storage and work sheds and accommodation cabins), several enclosed fauna protection areas and a native nursery.

The Stead Foundation is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Sanctuary with the day to day operations overseen by a team comprising members of the Stead Foundation and the ANDCS. With the exception of several bequests to the National Trust (NSW) specifically stating the money be spent on the Sanctuary, the Foundation receives no ongoing funding from outside sources. Income is derived primarily from accommodation facilities, nursery sales, catering and donations.

The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors and a Company Secretary as required by the Foundations constitution, and the Australian Corporations Act. This Board is elected annually by members and no Board member receives income from their position, nor is allowed to obtain personal benefit from dealings with the Foundation.

Photo of the bushtucker garden at the Sanctuary.  Constructed by Wirrimbirra volunteers with the assistance of a GreenCorp team and a generous donation from the Beswick Family Trust.

Click on the photos for a larger (slower) image.

Credits
Wollemi fossil and Wollemi in a pot photos © J.Plaza RBG Sydney. Used with permission of Wollemi Pine International.  photos of the dingoes Sheila (top left hand corner) and Wirrimbirra (on the front page) © ANDCS.  White waratah used with permission of Bilpin waratah farm
Many photos on this site were taken by (and many thanks to) Sue Smeeton.
This web site, Wirrimbirra Sanctuary logo and photos copyright Stead Foundation 2005-8