The donation will help the Whroo Goldfields Conservation Management Network build, repair, install and monitor nest boxes for marsupials like sugar gliders as well as rare brush-tail phascogales.

Phascogales (also known as tuans) are small, mouse-like creatures found mostly in Victoria and NSW.

They became rarer after the colonisation of Australia – in part because of deforestation, which reduced the number of old tree-hollows available for nesting.

Mandalay’s sustainability manager Adam Place said the company was proud to support the network’s conservation efforts.

“Recently, the mine adopted the brush-tail phascogale as its mascot as a way to raise awareness about its endangered status,” he said.

“Mining companies are often criticised for their impact on the environment but Mandalay Resources takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and sees this program as one way it can leave a positive legacy.”

Network coordinator Janice Mentiplay-Smith said the 1000 Hollows Project helped species competing for nesting space.

“Heathcote is known for its food and wine but it also has these beautiful box-ironbark forests where these little critters live,” she said.

Ms Mentiplay-Smith said the network had already installed 800 boxes west of Bendigo between Heathcote and Ngambie, which they monitored annually.

“However, it takes time and money to run such a program, and this is where the interest and support from Mandalay Resources is so greatly appreciated,” she said.