Built by community, created for conservation
Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre grew from a shared community vision to protect the Malleefowl, celebrate the mallee landscape and create a lasting place for education and eco-tourism in Ongerup.
Where the idea began
Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre was the brainchild of Ongerup Community Development and the Malleefowl Preservation Group Inc.
The Malleefowl Preservation Group was founded in 1992 and operated until 2015. It was established in response to the rarity of Malleefowl in the Gnowangerup Shire, where the Malleefowl is recognised as the local fauna emblem.
The group’s primary focus was conducting surveys and undertaking on-ground conservation work. Over time, members identified that education and awareness raising for the Malleefowl and the mallee landscape would be best delivered through a dedicated conservation and eco-tourism centre in Ongerup.
Seven years in the making
Building Yongergnow would not have been possible without considerable financial and in-kind support from federal, state and local government, Lotterywest and the Ongerup community.
The Department of Regional Development, the Great Southern Development Commission, the Shire of Gnowangerup, Lotterywest and various other funding bodies contributed the majority of the required funding, approximately $1.3 million.
Yongergnow was developed and built over a seven-year period from 2000, opening its gates to the public on 15 February 2007.
Malleefowl Preservation Group founded.
Development of Yongergnow began.
Yongergnow opened to the public.
Ongerup District Telecentre co-located with Yongergnow.