Protecting Victoria's Mallee Heritage
Jesse’s Trust is a private family trust that supports projects that
enhance
biodiversity, heritage and
understanding of Victorian mallee ecosystems.
Our Conservation Initiatives
Protecting and Restoring Victoria's Unique Mallee Ecosystems
JCB Trust funds projects that preserve biodiversity, protect cultural heritage, and enhance understanding of Victoria's mallee environments. We welcome partnerships with landholders, conservation groups, and researchers to create lasting impact across the region.
Restoring Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
Hattah Kulkyne National Park has been central to the Trust's mission since its inception in 2014. Initial efforts involved extensive discussions with Parks Victoria about establishing a collaborative environmental restoration program. Although a formal project did not eventuate, this period yielded significant groundwork, including expert workshops, a detailed Feasibility Report by Cheal, Mansergh, and Heinze, and a comprehensive historical account titled Returning the Kulkyne. These foundational works continue to inform and inspire ongoing restoration discussions and initiatives within the region.
Raakajlim
Raakajilm is a 490-hectare conservation property near Colignan, once part of Hattah Kulkyne National Park. Managed by Phil and Dr Fiona Murdoch—both with long-standing connections to the park—it has been transformed from degraded farmland into a thriving refuge for rare and endangered species. The Jesse-Chaplin Burch Trust began supporting the project in 2020, initially funding fencing to protect the landscape from kangaroos and feral pigs. Since then, the Trust has contributed to the creation of Jesse’s Track, interpretive signage, a specialist greenhouse, and other restoration efforts. Its support continues as Raakajilm gains further recognition and government backing.
Restoring Neds Corner
Neds Corner, a 30,000-hectare property along the Murray River with 150 years of pastoral history, was purchased by the Trust for Nature in 2002 and underwent significant environmental restoration before being returned to its Traditional Owners, the Ngintait people, in 2022. The Jesse-Chaplin Burch Trust became involved in 2021, funding ecological monitoring that established the foundation for future management planning, and remains open to supporting restoration projects on this unique Mallee landscape.
Latest Updates
News from Our Projects and the Mallee Region
Keep up with the latest developments from our funded projects across Victoria's mallee region. These updates provide insights into our ongoing conservation efforts and the positive impact they're making on the local ecosystem.
16
Apr
2025
Test Update
1
Mar
2025
Update on Progress at Neds Corner
The Kulkyne's Past, Present and Future
Returning the Kulkyne By John Burch
'Returning the Kulkyne’ traces the use of land from the squatters to the present, examining its impact on the land and its people. It also explores the possibility of returning the Kulkyne to some semblance of its former state.'
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