This World Environment Day, 5 June 2026 we are standing proud with our partner, Rous County Council (Rous) in recognising our longstanding partnership, marking sixteen years of supporting sick and injured koalas in the Northern Rivers together.

Since 2010, Rous has provided an ongoing source of food for sick and injured koalas through its plantation at Howards Grass.

The relationship began on World Environment Day in 2010, when around twenty staff and volunteers from both organisations came together to plant approximately 400 native trees on a Rous-owned property in the Lismore region.

The planting included Eucalyptus robusta, commonly known as swamp mahogany, and Eucalyptus tereticornis, known as forest red gum. Both species are recognised as food and habitat trees for koalas along Australia’s east coast.

Over the years, Friends of the Koala has regularly cut branches from the plantation to feed vulnerable koalas in their care, helping to support the recovery and rehabilitation of injured and sick animals. As many of you know already, Friends of the Koala are celebrating their 40th year in 2026. It is estimated that nearly 7,829 koalas have been rescued during this time.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and the importance of improving the health of the region’s catchments and waterways.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful relationship for many years to come.

To learn more about our work, including how to become a volunteer please visit: https://friendsofthekoala.org/