An Eastern Pygmy Possum in an installed possum tube (Photo: Andrew Lothian)
Story by Tracie McMahon
The Black Summer bushfires were devastating in Lithgow. Where once there was birdsong and rustling eucalypts there was silence and sticks. Many asked, “What can we do to help?” Lithgow Environment Group was listening, and together with Lithgow Area Women’s Shed, they did something: they created habitat for endangered Eastern Pygmy Possums.
Key Points:
The Black Summer bushfire devastated nesting habitat in Lithgow and surrounds, impacting the future survival of species such as the endangered Eastern Pygmy Possum.
The destruction also left a shadow with many in the community feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
Community action which began in response to a desire to ‘do something’ has created other benefits: fostering connections, healing locals, providing homes for Eastern Pygmy Possums and educating the wider community.
In the summer of 2019/20, Leanne Hopkins and her family watched in horror as the mountains surrounding Lithgow were engulfed in flames. When the ground cooled, they surveyed the damage. All that remained on the once-forested mountains were thin sticks and charcoal. The chatter and shuffle of wildlife was replaced with absolute silence.
Leanne says, “It was overwhelming. I understood what people meant when they said, ‘climate anxiety’. There was no life: I felt like I was in Z for Zachariah,” a novel and film in which a woman believes she is the last known survivor of a nuclear apocalypse.
She felt she had to ‘do something’. She and her daughters, Catherine and Nikita, began taking food and water for native animals to the outskirts of Lithgow.
Leanne and her family were not alone. Julie Favell, Project Officer with Lithgow Environment Group, says they were fielding calls from everywhere. Everyone was asking what they could do.
Eastern Pygmy Possums (Photos: Andrew Lothian)
Julie contacted Hugh Evans from Local Land Services, who suggested creating artificial tree hollows. The fires had devastated the forest surrounding Lithgow and with it, the natural tree hollows vital for nesting marsupials and birds. Julie was aware of Andrew Lothian’s work monitoring native fauna on the Newnes Plateau and gave him a call.
Andrew and his company Biodiversity Monitoring Services had installed artificial nesting hollows or ‘possum tubes’ prior to the 2013 State Mine Gully fire to support the endangered Eastern Pygmy Possum. The tubes were destroyed by the 2013 fire, replaced and had been wiped out again.
Andrew’s surveys immediately after the 2019/20 fire had found two live Pygmy Possums, as well as evidence of Sugar and Greater Gliders in the area, providing a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, house mice had also begun invading the bushland and were now competing for scarce resources. There was a desperate need for replacement habitat to provide a safe place for the marsupials to nest. If Julie could find someone with the time to make the tubes, he would donate his own time to teaching them how.
Making Connections
Aware that many of the phone calls she had taken were from women, Julie approached Lithgow Area Women’s Shed to see if they could help. Leanne and her daughters are members of the Shed. They, and their fellow members, were delighted to get involved. In March 2020, a training and education program began as Julie and Andrew explained the importance of the project and how to make effective possum tubes to entice and protect this beautiful little marsupial for the future.
Andrew Lothian demonstrating how to manufacture a possum tube at the Lithgow Area Women’s Shed as Allyn Jory and Leanne Hopkins look on. (Photo: Lithgow Environment Group Inc.)
Like everything that began in 2020, the possum tube manufacturing plan was disrupted by COVID lockdowns. But the women of the Shed were not deterred. Leanne’s house became one part of a manufacturing base for Eastern Pygmy Possum tubes.
Over the next three months she and her daughters made over fifty tubes, and the production line didn’t stop with them. Local artist and fellow ‘women’s shedder’, Allyn Jory, designed a camouflage stencil to ensure the tubes would not be discovered by predators. The women of the shed organised a manufacturing process involving cutting, assembling, and disguising the tubes. While others binged Netflix, together this small group of women built 100 tiny possum houses : COVID safe and connected to each other.
Left: Leanne showing the materials used to create a snug home inside the tube. Right: A finished tube sits alongside a bee hotel on the shelves at Lithgow Area Women’s Shed (Photo: Tracie McMahon)
In June 2020 Leanne accompanied Andrew and Julie to install fifteen of the tubes on the Newnes Plateau. Leanne says, “it was the best day of the whole COVID lockdown.” The remainder of the tubes were given to Andrew for later installation.
Has it worked?
Eastern Pygmy Possums have two nesting seasons in Autumn and Spring, and it can take several seasons for a population to breed post-fire. Andrew Lothian’s surveys in September and December of 2021 found two young possums, and the 2022-2023 survey sighted ten mostly male young possums.
The gorgeous little pygmy possums are not the only ones who have benefited from this project. Leanne, her daughters, and all those involved felt they were not alone, and could do something.
She says she doesn’t feel so despondent about the future.
“There are things you can do, and things people are doing. Just because you don’t see it on TV, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.” – Leanne Hopkins
Catherine Emblen and Leanne Hopkins outside the Women’s Shed proudly displaying a finished possum tube in May 2023. They were already planning their next project. (Photo: Tracie McMahon)
Spreading the word
As Lithgow Environment Group began publicising the project, Julie began fielding calls from others keen to find out more or get involved. The possum tube project inspired Lawson Public School for their entry in the Gamechangers competition, and was also successful in a funding application under the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage Save our Species program.
In November 2022, the funding allowed for a new group of possum tube manufacturers to install fifteen tubes on the eastern edge of the Gardens of Stone National Park, learning about Lithgow’s diverse and unique environs in the process.
The new tubes were inspected as part of a Lithgow Environment Group nature journalling event in January 2023, and while they did not find pygmy possums, Andrew Lothian indicated the tubes had been used by a yellow-footed antechinus, another tiny native marsupial.
In November 2023, 25 students studying Environmental Science at the Canberra Institute of Technology also came to inspect. The possum tube project is being used as a case study in their course, demonstrating the impacts of bushfire, and potential actions to help and heal.
Students from Canberra Institute of Technology inspecting the Possum Tubes as part of an environmental science field trip led by Lithgow Environment Group Inc. (Photo: Blake Canackle, CIT)
What began as locals connecting to ‘do something’ has created a ripple that benefits not only the Eastern Pygmy Possum, but all those involved. The tubes are inspected regularly by Andrew Lothian and Lithgow Environment Group Inc., and we look forward to hearing more about their inhabitants in the seasons to come.
Take Action:
Plant habitat to assist native species recovery. Banksia, eucalypts and bottlebrush provide nectar which is a key food source for the Eastern Pygmy Possum as well as honeyeaters and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. Lithgow & District Community Nursery can provide advice on native planting for fauna in the local area.
Join the Lithgow Area Women’s Shed. The group meet on Thursdays 10-1 pm at the Lithgow Greyhound Track. They offer construction skills and tool-based workshops, connection and community for women. Contact Leanne 0438766891 or Pam 0428633953 or e: lithgowwomensshed2018@gmail.com.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Our video on Falling In Love With Glossy Black Cockatoos is now up on our Planetary Health YouTube channel (sorry, it`s too big to share here but there`s a link in our profile).
Jayden Gunn finishes his presentation by saying:
"Care is like a snowball. The more people you tell the bigger the snowball gets, and the further it goes. And the more we know, the more we care. And the more we know, the more we`re able to help."
The video is of our fabulous Forum on Growing Connected Landscapes for the Glossy Black Cockatoo, and includes presentations by Jayden Gunn, BirdLife Australia, Amanda Foxon-Hill from Mid Lachlan Landcare, and STEM teacher Samantha Bowden from Glenbrook Public School. There`s a link with the video on how to register for the Community Tree Planting Day in Goologong on 5 July (and it`s also in our profile). Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCERdF21Ud0&t=13s
Today we`re enjoying eating ripe medlars! Medlars are attractive cold climate fruit trees that were popular in Medieval gardens. They`re one of the few fruits that can be harvested in late Autumn and eaten in early Winter when they`re fully ripe. This is a great time of year to plant them for a future harvest. Check out our short video on how to eat them! #coldclimategardens #ediblegardens #medlars #growyourown #planetaryhealth #bluemountains...
We`re thrilled to share that last night @BlueMountainsCityCouncil`s Planetary Health Centre won the Innovative Leadership Award (Population Under 150K) in the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards. What a great end to World Environment Day! 🌏 This award celebrates how local government can lead transformative change for a more sustainable future. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard with us to make our vision a reality. You can read more about what we`re doing at our website (link in profile): http://www.bluemountainsplanetaryhealth.com.au/ @ph_alliance #planetaryhealth #worldenvironmentday #localgovernmentleadership #nswlocalgovernmentexcellenceawards...
Blocking out a couple of hours a week to step off the treadmill and give ourselves time to nurture our relationship with the earth and ourselves, is one way to keep our creative spirit and ‘lust for life’ alive. If you haven’t done so yet, one opportunity over the next week is to spend some ‘slow’ time in the 2024 Wynne Prize exhibition at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre before it closes on 15 June. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/the-2024-wynne-prize/ @bluemountainsculturalcentre @artgalleryofnsw #wynneprize #landscapes #bluemountains #katoomba #artexhibition #planetaryhealth...
Recognising how violence and war impact the health of the planet, the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative has become a member of the Blue Mountains Peace Collective. On Sunday 25th May, we attended a presentation by Dr Keith Suter on Making Peace in the World Today at the Leura Uniting Church. In this powerful presentation Dr Suter questions why we learn about war rather than successful peace negotiations! View the video of his presentation below and read our full story in Katoomba Area Local News here: https://bit.ly/3Fl4WgQ (link in profile)
With an extra day up your sleeve this long weekend, it`s a great opportunity to give nature a hand to regenerate and provide more habitat for our fellow species! Join our fabulous all ages Planetary Health Bushcare Group from 1.30pm and then participate in the Forum on Growing Connected Landscapes for the Glossy Black Cockatoo at 4pm, followed by drinks and nibblies! You can also start the day with a fabulous Tai Chi session at 8am. Visit our Planetary Health Pluriversity website to book in and learn more (link in profile): https://bmpluriversity.org/program/
Or ring 0407 437 553 for more information. #planetaryhealth #bushcare #katoomba #bluemountains #glossyblackcockatoos #landcare #biodiversity #habitat #wearenature #togetherwecan...
In this inspiring interview with Medlow Bath resident Amanda Foxon-Hill she talks about her work with Mid Lachlan Landcare, why Growing Connected Landscapes for the Glossy Black Cockatoo is so important, and why she loves her work so much! Read the full story in Blackheath Area Local News here: https://blackheathnews.com/connecting-landscapes-for-glossy-black-cockatoos/
Book in for the Growing Connected Landscapes Forum at 4pm this Saturday 7 June here: https://events.humanitix.com/growing-connected-landscapes-for-the-glossy-black-cockatoo Register your interest for the Community Tree Planting Day in Goologong here: https://events.humanitix.com/glossy-black-cockatoo-community-tree-planting-5
In a world that increasingly feels out of balance, we’re thrilled to be offering Saturday morning Tai Chi and Qigong at 8am this Saturday 7 June (and the first Saturday of every month on our Skill Share Saturdays). Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and moving meditation for body, mind and spirit. It is ideal for learning to keep calm amidst chaos but also has health benefits to increase longevity. Harvard Medical School has reported that this gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life. It`s particularly popular in Hong Kong, where residents have one of the highest life expectancies in the world! T`ai-Chi has also been found to improve brain function (like memory and mental flexibility) faster than other exercise and, in a recent study, comparing T`aiChi to brisk walking, the martial art was found to be significantly better at reducing blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease, like blood sugar levels and cholesterol. If you’d like to try it out, you can reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3FxWPgR
Learn how to Grow Connected Landscapes for the magnificent Glossy Black Cockatoo at 4pm on Saturday 7th June. In our first Planetary Health Forum we’ll be hearing from Amanda Foxon-Hill from Mid Lachlan Landcare, Jayden Gunn from Birdlife Australia and Samantha (Pongi) Bowden from Glenbrook Public School, to learn more about the Glossy and how we can all help improve its habit from the Lower Mountains to Central NSW. We’re also launching a Community Tree Planting Day on 5 July in Goologong (near Cowra) to which we’re hoping we’ll get a large group of volunteers to help make a difference for this beautiful bird (and lots of other species as well!)
Habitat connectivity is essential if species are to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by our changing climate.
Join us as we imagine life as a Glossy Black Cockatoo. We`ll make our way through the temperate eucalypt forests of Dharug & Gundungurra land here in the Blue Mountains before leaving the Great Dividing Range for the Wheat & Sheep belt of the Central Tablelands. Our journey ends on Wiradjuri Land, North West of Cowra in the dry scleropyhyll forests of the Conimbla & Nangar National Parks, the start of the Western Woodland Way
Jayden Gunn is an adept wildlife photographer, ecologist, and environmental educator, with a deep passion for Australian birdlife. Through his lens, he captures Australia`s unique wildlife, using digital storytelling to connect people with nature in meaningful ways.
Links in profile to book in.
Book for the Forum here: https://bit.ly/43FzamP
Register your interest for the Community Tree Planting Day here: https://bit.ly/3HwYHa5
Watch an interview with Amanda here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77y2jrCzINo&t=52s
Read more about Glenbrook Public Schools work for the Glossy Black here: https://lowermtnslocalnews.com/glossy-black-cockatoos/
Our newsletter is now out! View our video of Dr Keith Suter on "Making Peace in the World Today” and read about Growing Connected Landscapes for the Glossy Black Cockatoo and the 2024 Wynne Prize exhibition at the Cultural Centre. You can also book in for our Mushroom Cultivation and Tai Chi workshops, and our Planetary Health Bushcare on Skill Share Saturday, 7 June. And PS. We’re a finalist in the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards. Read the newsletter here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4dEFL5u
Yesterday a delegation from the University of Sydney and the Razak School of Government in Malaysia visited the Planetary Health Centre to exchange experiences on the challenges all our local governments are facing, including adapting to climate change, managing ageing populations, and finding economic opportunities for small councils to support their community`s needs. @rsog_insta #localgovernment #planetaryhealth #disasterriskreduction #systemicchange #councils #malaysia #exchange...
As part of an international project to advance science communication for Planetary Health (SciCoPH), Indonesian science journalists, science communication experts and bioscientists visited the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre to learn more about what we`re doing last month. Read our story in Katoomba Area Local News here: https://bit.ly/43MFUjM (link in profile)
Tracie lives, writes and walks on the unceded lands of the Dharug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri people. Born in Lithgow, she and her family have spent most of their lives living and working with the people and places of the Lithgow area. Her passions are nature and community, which she pursues through story, art, and volunteering in Lithgow and the Blue Mountains.
