NGT Foundation update: Introducing the Baird-McLean Antigone Fund

It is a great privilege to be able to introduce the latest Named Fund to be established within the NGT Foundation, the Baird-McLean Antigone Fund.

Brolga Pair. Photo by Greg Kerr.

Let’s hear from Margaret and Alan in their own words, why they have taken this significant step, which will ensure a level of perpetual support for the work of Nature Glenelg Trust, with an emphasis on the majestic Brolga and our activities at the Green Swamp Restoration Reserve (you can also learn more about the Green Swamp story here):

“Like others who have taken the step to establish a Named Fund within the NGT Foundation, we have followed NGT’s impressive results for some years. NGT’s evidence-based approach, professionalism, technical knowledge and experience, and collaboration with farmers and the community, are some of the ingredients shaping its achievements and enduring legacy.

NGT’s long-term commitment to, and particular emphasis on, wetland conservation and restoration aligns with our strong interest in amazingly diverse wetland and waterway habitats in central and western Victoria. These are places with which we have family ties, and deep personal interests.

Ongoing effective management and sustainability are central to continued positive outcomes. We are excited to be part of the journey, with NGT, through our Antigone Fund.

Why ‘Antigone’?

The name reflects the genus of the brolga (Antigone rubicunda), one of two crane species in Australia. In the Aboriginal language Gamilaraay, brolga are called burralga. They feature in many creation stories and dances.

Brolgas are joyous, intriguing and majestic, but also sadly threatened. Brolgas depend on wetlands, as do many other species. We are particularly pleased that part of our Fund is to contribute to ongoing brolga monitoring at Green Swamp, which has become an increasingly important flocking area for the species since the wetland was restored by NGT. This is but one small step in gathering information to assist to enhance and perpetually protect habitat to which brolgas, and others, can safely live, gather and thrive.


Margaret McLean (nee Baird) and Alan McLean, April 2023.

A special sight: a fraction of a much larger Brolga flock at NGT’s Green Swamp Restoration Reserve. Photo by Greg Kerr.
Mark Bachmann