Cowsnest Farm & Wildlife Refuge, New South Wales

THE HISTORY OF COWSNEST It began in 1975 as a sort of kibbutz where people could offer their labour in return for board and lodging. Farm work happened during the days and at night artistic things flourished. In 1985 the Candelo Art Society grew out of Cowsnest. Music and Variety Night have been going since then. In 1988 members of the community visited Warrawong and Yookamurra Sanctuaries in South Australia to learn about feral animal proof fencing. By 1992 there was a five-acre halfway house for injured and orphan native animals on their way to release. Soon a 50 acre was enclosed by fencing which would protect native animals from dogs, cats and foxes.