Funding from a Hawke’s Brewing Landcare Threatened Species Grant enabled Capertee Valley Landcare to implement its Water for Woodland Birds project by installing watering points at key Regent Honeyeater breeding locations.

Located in the New South Wales Central Tablelands, the Capertee Valley is a Key Biodiversity Area supporting over 240 species of birds including a number of threatened and declining Woodland Birds. It is also one of the most important breeding locations for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater.

With rivers, tributaries and waterholes altered and degraded so much they are no longer a reliable source of water, these vulnerable species are left to compete for a drink, making it difficult for them to survive.

Capertee Valley Landcare engaged local volunteers to assist with the successful installation of four long-term bird watering stations at key locations in close proximity to known Regent Honeyeater nesting sites that didn’t already have a water supply.

Kerrie Cooke, President of Capertee Valley Landcare, says, “By providing a necessary resource for some of our most vulnerable species, like the Regent Honeyeater, we are buying time to learn how to improve, heal and regenerate our landscape to become a safe place for these species to once again flourish.

“Because of this project, we are now providing water to our woodland birds in a safe setting, close to their preferred habitat and nesting areas.”

Hawke’s Brewing Co. co-founder, Nathan Lennon said, “It’s been incredibly gratifying to support multiple Landcare groups, like our mates in the Capertee Valley and help fund critical community-based projects. It’s wonderful to see the amazing environmental outcomes that they have worked so hard to achieve.”

Former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, was integral to the creation of the not-for-profit Landcare Australia in 1989. He remained a strong supporter of the landcare movement throughout his life. According to Nathan, Bob’s only condition for letting the company use his name was that 100 percent of his royalties be donated to Landcare Australia. Mr Hawke’s estate generously continues this arrangement.

“Our promise to Bob was that we’d grow Hawke’s into a national brand, worthy of his legacy, while giving all Australians the opportunity to not just enjoy our beers, but also do to their bit for our beautiful environment. We’ve always said we’d like to contribute over $1M in donations to Landcare Australia. As we scale to become national, this milestone is drawing nearer,” said Lennon.

Since 2017, nearly $300,000 in contributions to Landcare Australia from Hawke’s beer sales have helped fund numerous projects, including the 2020 Hawke’s Landcare Endangered Species Grants that, in addition to the Capertee Landcare Group, supported the Native Animal Rescue Group in New South Wales and Kersbrook Landcare Group in South Australia.

In 2022, Hawke’s is set to fund an urban-focused environmental project managed by Landcare Australia, along with other special initiatives to be announced at a later date.