for Bush Heritage.
our supporters resulted in over $14 million being
contributed towards our conservation objectives
up until 31 March 2013. This enabled us to expand
our reserve-based conservation programs as well
as our partnerships with neighbours, Indigenous
groups and other land owners.
of $2.5 million for the twelve months. This surplus
was planned and has already been largely applied
to the acquisition of Naree Station in northern
New South Wales and to the Midlands Conservation
Fund, Tasmania. The total in this fund now stands
at $3.4 million (see page 11).
acquisition of Naree Station was very well supported
in 201213 with over $1.3 million raised. The campaign
continues into 201314 as we seek further funding
for the initial conservation and infrastructure work
required at Naree, and for the ongoing protection and
improvement of its habitats and important wetlands.
of Bush Heritage's work and so we aim for diversity
in our sources of funding to avoid reliance on a single
income stream. We currently enjoy the support of over
15 000 active financial donors, including individuals,
families, companies, trusts and foundations who
together generously contribute through specific gifts,
monthly direct debits, workplace giving or recognition
of Bush Heritage in their Wills.
Heritage has adopted a five-year strategy aimed at
significantly increasing the area of land and water that
we protect. To achieve this, we need to increase the
number of supporters who are actively engaged with us
and who support us financially. This will ensure we are
further buffered against external economic conditions.
actively invest in recruiting additional donors, and
particularly those who prefer to give through a regular
direct debit. Recruiting donors for this method of
giving isn't necessarily employed by all conservation
charities and usually requires a greater upfront level
of investment. However, the returns for Bush Heritage
remain highly positive because of the immediate
increase in our predictable monthly income and
because it enables us to engage with more and more
people, many of whom may become lifetime donors.
Investing in bringing new donors to Bush Heritage
complements the existing relationships we have with
our many long-term supporters and ensures our
revenue base is broad and sustainable.
with our reserve properties and financial investments
making up the bulk of our assets. We continue to rely
on our own funding sources and have no borrowings
on the Balance Sheet other than ordinary trade payables
and finance leases on equipment. This strong financial
position allows us to plan confidently for our long-term
conservation goals.
control and risk management is in place and I thank
the management team for their efforts in this past year.
Our processes are regularly reviewed and improved by
the Board, the Finance and Audit Subcommittee and
senior management, and Bush Heritage is also subject
to external audit by Ernst & Young. These governance
systems ensure that the contributions of our generous
supporters can continue to be applied to maximum
conservation effect.
Treasurer