Sue Berry, Mark Berry, The Bower Broulee, South Coast restoration, bushland rehabilitation, eco-tourism NSW, Broulee eco-resort
Sue and Mark Berry assumed custodianship of 88 hectares of neglected bushland west of Broulee in the early 1990s, a site scarred by trail bike damage, illegal rubbish dumping, pig shooters, feral animals, and even a marijuana plantation. They donated and dedicated 8 hectares of prime riparian land along Candlagan Creek as a public reserve—now part of Batemans Marine Park—and focused the majority of the remaining land as a Wildlife Refuge on rehabilitation: revegetation, weed eradication (including bitou bush), habitat recovery for birds, marsupial gliders, wallabies, and sea eagles, while aiming to retain at least 75% practically undisturbed.
Restoration & Community Legacy
Partnering with NPWS on Illawong Nature Reserve management, they created shared trails and interpretive walks, post-2019 fires reviving operations with shire support on the Sydney-Melbourne coastal route. Mark was the inaugural chair of Friends of SouthCare, Eurobodalla Chapter (raising $100k+), helped grow local junior rugby union (3→350 registered players), as well as supporting publicity for local Dolphins Rugby clubs and Eurobodalla Dressage clubs.
Sue was also instrumental in organising fubdraisers for Friends of SouthCare, Eurobodalla Chapter (7yrs), and was awarded the International Womens Day award in 2006 , served on Eurobodalla Dressage club committe from 2009 and the Eurobodalla Tourism board from .
The Bower delivers secluded luxury villas (Private Spa, Premium Spa, Double King/Double Spa) spaced 100m+ with natural screening, spas, fireplaces, self-contained glamping amid wildlife immersion.2
Past Collaborations
Worked with wellness experts like Elizabeth Fulop (massage/yoga), Catherine Potter (yoga retreats), Gabi Harding, Marie Zuvich, Debbie Pakis, and Bill Nagle (bird-watching tours), plus Broulee Wellness/RegionX. Award submissions praised sustainability, marketing, South Coast tourism role.
Through land gifts, volunteering, and eco-plans (wellness/tents), they’ve boosted jobs, conservation, and high-value tourism.