“It is indeed a wonderful privilege we all have in being members of MEG and continuing a rich tradition of community effort and preserving this unique place.”

View fullsize Our much loved MEG cottage, nestled on 9 acres of revegetated farmland, has seen its fair share of transformations over the years. From knocking down walls and expanding windows to adding cozy new rooms and a separate toilet block, this humble abode
View fullsize Our own private waterhole, well kinda private. The MacKenzie River begins in the Grampians (Gariweld) National Park, winding its way past the MEG cottage in Wartook as it makes its 57km winding journey to the Wimmera River, southwest of Horsham. . F
View fullsize MEG From above. . For over 50 years MEG Co-operative have been the custodians of 10 acres of revegetated farmland on the banks of the Mackenzie river in Wartook. It is a special place that has brought a great deal of joy to many families over these f

In 1971, an advertisement in THE AGE newspaper sparked the beginning of an enduring legacy in environmental conservation. Rodger Elliot AM and Gwen Elliot AM, - members of the Montrose Environmental Group, stumbled upon a 9-acre (5 hectare) property near Wartook, in the Grampians, which they intended to use for growing Western Australian banksias. However, what began as a simple purchase turned into a community-driven initiative when it was discovered that the property's boundary ran through the middle of the house.

Thanks to the foresight and dedication of Ron Taylor, the founding president of the recently formed Montrose Environmental Group, and the cooperative spirit of its members, the Wartook property was saved from being abandoned. The MEG Conservation Co-operative Society was formed, uniting individuals with a profound commitment to environmental preservation. This included members from the Blackburn Tree Preservation Society and the Society for Growing Australian Plants.

Our 5 hectare property, now a haven for native flora and fauna, has been lovingly restored from overgrazed farmland to a thriving ecosystem. It's a place where families, nature enthusiasts, and conservationists have gathered over the years to plant, nurture, and celebrate the natural beauty of the Gariwerd National Park and surrounding region.