Sanctuary of Sentient Beings

The Sanctuary Rewilding & Living Habitat Restoration Program is a place-based ecological restoration initiative delivered by Sanctuary of Sentient Beings on Wadawurrung Country in Beremboke, within the Moorabool Shire and the Little River Upper Catchment. Set on a 60-acre former grazing property adjacent to Brisbane Ranges National Park, the project addresses degraded soils, reduced native vegetation, and pressure on waterways through targeted restoration.

Jodie Musto (President and Co-founder of Sentient Beings) with Fleckie.

Building on two Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways grants, the program is delivering fencing, off-stream watering systems, revegetation, and weed control to protect waterways and restore habitat. These works have established a strong foundation; however, key elements remain incomplete without additional support.

This application enables completion and long-term success — completing critical infrastructure, strengthening vegetation establishment, and embedding care and community participation required for restoration to endure.

The program integrates ecological works with sustained, hands-on community involvement, including a commitment to respectfully engage with Traditional Owner organisations to strengthen connection to Country. Through a cyclical model (Prepare → Restore→Protect→Return→Monitor), sites are revisited over time, ensuring works are delivered and maintained.

Together, this approach restores ecological function, strengthens biodiversity, and builds a community of stewards, enabling landscapes, waterways, and wildlife to recover and thrive.