In the heart of Western Australia’s incredibly successful Gondwana Link ecological pathway (Fitz-Stirling section), Dr Eddy Wajon and his wife Donna have spent the last two decades transforming cleared farmland into a thriving haven for native species. Their commitment to conservation began in December 2002, when they became the first buyers within the Gondwana Link landscape, acquiring both Chingarrup Sanctuary and Mondurup View for the sole purpose of restoring bushland.
Most of Chingarrup Sanctuary had been cleared in the 1970s and 1980s, leaving just 100 hectares of regrowth. With the support of Bush Heritage Australia, Greening Australia and Shell Reconnections, the Wajons oversaw the revegetation of around 90 hectares in 2004, 2005 and 2007. Seeds from 50 different native species—mainly Acacias, Melaleucas, Eucalypts, Sheoaks, Callistemons and Calothamnus—were sown, with an extraordinary 95 per cent survival rate. Today, flora and fauna surveys have recorded an incredible diversity: 670 native flora species and 950 native fauna species call the sanctuary home.
The results have surpassed expectations, especially when it comes to the return of rare orchids. At a recent Biodiversity Conference at the University of Western Australia, Dr Wajon announced that six native orchid species had been observed in revegetation areas just 17-21 years after planting—far quicker than the 40-50 years predicted by experts for the Great Southern Wheatbelt. Among the highlights was the discovery of Cyanicula aperta (Western Tiny Blue Orchid) in 2022 and 2023, in areas where no orchid seed had been sown, as well as significant numbers of five other orchid species found in early October 2025, including Caladenia barbarossa (Common Dragon Orchid), Caladenia doutchiae (Purple-veined Spider Orchid), Caladenia falcata (Fringed Mantis Orchid), Pterostylis picta (Painted Rufous Greenhood) and Pterostylis perculta (Ruddy Greenhood).
It’s not just the plants making a comeback. After implementing fox, cat and weed control measures from 2011, sightings of the elusive Malleefowl have increased dramatically. Prior to baiting, these iconic birds were rarely seen, but they now appear on every visit. In 2017, two Malleefowl mounds were found in revegetated areas, and there are now seven active mounds on the property, with remote cameras capturing evidence of successful breeding.
The Wajons’ dedication, supported by community organisations and volunteers, is restoring habitat and ecological function for a host of birds, mammals and reptiles. Though challenges remain, with feral animals and weeds still present, their significant contribution is protecting and rejuvenating one of Western Australia’s most important ecological corridors. Chingarrup Sanctuary stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through persistence, partnerships and a love for the land—a story to inspire Landcare groups across Australia.
Learn more about the project here.
Feature image courtesy of Eddie Wajon