Friends of the Koala, the leading koala conservation group in the Northern Rivers is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
The group first formed as an organisation in 1986 with the aim to protect and enhance koala habitat. In the years that followed, the group grew to encompass rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured koalas from across the Northern Rivers region. Today, Friends of the Koala has a holistic approach to koala conservation; not only do they rescue, rehabilitate and release koalas, but they also restore and protect habitat, educate the community, assist in relevant research and advocate on behalf of koalas at a local, state and national level.
“We are really proud of the achievements we’ve made over the past 35 years,” said President Aliison Kelly.
“It is amazing to think we have tended to over 5,000 sick, injured and orphaned koalas, of which over 30% have been released back to the wild and issued over half million koala food trees and native rainforest plants across the Northern Rivers region”.
While Friends of the Koala have provided a much-needed service to the region’s koala population, the group has also contributed to the social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing of the community by connecting members to a greater cause.
“The current volunteer and staff group is now building upon the significant legacy established by the thousands of volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy and passion to our cause over the past 35 years,” said Ms. Kelly.
The groups impact was recently recognised at the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards becoming Regional Winner of Outstanding Community Organisation Award and state finalist in the category.
“We believe in a future for koalas. We are committed to evolving Friends of the Koala and hope to extend the legacy of Friends of the Koala for another 35 years into the future. If you believe in a future for this iconic species, we would love your support to ensure that Northern Rivers koalas can continue to thrive in the years ahead”.
