Our four-part series unpacks the dispute that led to the protection of Little Desert’s incredible wildlife.

The Little Desert dispute created a domino effect for nature conservation. It transformed Victoria’s political landscape and put community consultation firmly on the agenda.

Learn more about the Little Desert National Park

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Episode 1: Historical background of the 1969 Little Desert dispute

In this episode we unpack the historical context of the campaign that led to the substantial extension of the Little Desert National Park and how it contributed to the changes in Victorian political processes. We hear about the ideas and events that became a part of this historic campaign.

Interviewee:

  • Malcolm Calder, retired botanist (University of Melbourne) and member of the Save our Bushlands Action Committee

Episode 2. Historical background of the 1969 Little Desert dispute – continued.

Hear from environmental historian Don Garden and gain a deeper understanding of the broader social context of the campaign. Local resident Whimpey Reichelt shares his personal experience of the campaign.

Interviewees:

  • Don Garden, environmental historian (University of Melbourne)
  • Raymond ‘Whimpey’ Reichelt, Wimmera local and founder of the Little Desert Nature Lodge

Episode 3: The Little Desert today

In this episode we look beyond the Desert’s dramatic history and turn to some recent highlights. Hear from Brett Harrison, Executive Officer of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, who achieved the first successful case of Native Title Consent Determination in Victoria.

Retired farmers and naturalists Maree and Graham Goods revel in the diverse and beautiful wildlife that live in the Little Desert today, and discuss changes in local agriculture. We also talk rewilding with Ben Holmes from Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Interviewees:

  • Brett Harrison, CEO of Barengi Gadjin Land Council
  • Maree and Graham Goods, authors of the photographic guide book: Birds and plants of the Little Desert.
  • Ben Holmes, Conversation Volunteers Australia

Episode 4: Nature conservation and environmental policy making in Victoria today – the legacy of the 1969 Little Desert dispute

In this episode we talk about the implications of the Little Desert Dispute for Victoria today.

Hear from Matt Ruchel, Executive Director of the Victorian National Parks Association, who were heavily involved in the 1969 campaign for the Little Desert.

We hear from Joan Philips, Executive Director of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, successor of the Land Conservation Council (a direct outcome from the Little Desert dispute). We chat to Zoe Wilkinson, Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger for the Wimmera, who oversees conservation at Little Desert national park today.

Interviewees:

  • Matt Ruchel, CEO Victorian National Parks Association
  • Joan Phillips, Executive Officer, Victorian Environmental Assessment Council
  • Zoe Wilkinson, Area-chief ranger for the Wimmera, Parks Victoria

Production credits

  • Produced by Jan Hendrik Brueggemeier, RMIT University
  • Project management: Caitlin Griffith, Victorian National Parks Association
  • Podcast narrators: Bethany Atkinson-Quinton and Jessica Hamilton
  • Research and script development: Jan Hendrik Brueggemeier and Tom Bristow
  • Additional project support: Michael Howes

This project was funded by Parks Victoria.

We acknowledge that the Little Desert lies within the traditional lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk peoples, and we pay respect to their Elders, both past and present.

Keep listening

If you enjoyed our Little Desert podcast, perhaps you would also like to listen to our other podcast on Marine National Parks.