I see the beautiful variety of small birds living in the garden at Martins Creek and I am reminded of the first peoples who inhabited the unceded land on which I now caretake.

Prickly plants are so important for small birds. They provide safe nesting and resting spaces, away from big birds, goannas and pythons. Just this August I saw the following small birds: Eastern Spine-bill, Yellow Robin, Scarlet Robin, Lewin's Honeyeater, White Lipped honey Eater, White faced Honey Eater, Grey Fantail.

I acknowledge the Awabakal, and Gringai peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Country where all things live in balance. I recognise their continued connection to the land and waters, and I thank them for protecting the ecosystems of these beautiful places since time immemorial. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all First Nations people today.