Friends of the Koala recently Annual General Meeting was held in December last year. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the evening – both in person and online. It was wonderful to see such strong community engagement and support for our work.
We were delighted to welcome guest speaker Steve Phillips, whose insights into koala conservation were both informative and inspiring, along with Friends of the Koala’s first veterinarian, Geoff Tomkins, whose long-standing connection to our organisation reminds us just how far we have come. Their contributions made the evening a truly special occasion.
Welcoming the 2025–2026 Management Committee
The AGM also marked an important moment of transition, as we welcomed our new Management Committee for 2025–2026. This dedicated group of volunteers brings a broad range of skills, experience and perspectives, and we are grateful for their willingness to step into these roles in support of koalas and the work of Friends of the Koala.
We are pleased to introduce the new Office Bearers:
- President: Rhonda James
- Vice President: Lorraine Vass
- Treasurer: Lielette Calleja
- Secretary: Vicki Meyer
They are joined by General Committee Members:
- Susannah Keogh
- Lisa Castleman
- Michael Cockerill
- Gwen Seznec
- Mark Ambrose
- Peter Byrne
- Chris Bartlett
Together, this team will help guide the organisation through the year ahead, including some significant milestones and projects, such as progress on our Koala Hospital expansion.
Thanking Our Outgoing Committee Members
We would also like to sincerely thank those Management Committee members who have stepped down. Their time, commitment and thoughtful contribution have played an important role in supporting Friends of the Koala through a period of growth and ongoing challenge. Like so much of our work, committee service is often behind the scenes, and we are deeply appreciative of the care and effort given in these roles.
Looking Ahead
Following the AGM, the new Management Committee met to ensure continuity and prepare for the year ahead. As always, the focus remains on strong governance, transparency, and supporting our frontline rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Friends of the Koala – whether by attending events, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our message. We look forward to another year of working together to give koalas the best possible chance to survive and thrive.
