After 17 years with the ACT Parks Service and 5 as manager of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve,, John McRae retired in March.

John’s career included a 3-year stint as manager of the Australian Alps Program

Reflecting on his time at Tidbinbilla, John said he was ‘so pleased’ to get the job as manager of in 2019.

‘It felt like destiny to finally be in that valley where the call of the mountains was loudest,’ he said. ‘What followed was five challenging and deeply rewarding years.

His time at Tidbinbilla was marked ‘fire and flood and Covid. Then more floods and more covid’.

‘The threatened species program emerged from every setback stronger than ever,’ he said.

‘The rangers and field officers cracked on, delivered projects, and Tidbinbilla thrived. The tougher the times we faced the stronger the team grew.

‘There is something special about that valley of wraiths and rainbows. Everyone can sense it. The air is rich with potions and the light can be astonishing. It casts spells that heal and replenish what this mad world depletes. It is infinitely generous to heart and soul,’ he said.

‘I am forever grateful that I heard the call of those mountains, and they will always be my spiritual home.’