Ten of our team headed down to Port Macquarie from 20 to 22 July for this year’s National Koala Conference. Four vets, our Regional Koala Officer Angie Brace, two Management Committee members and three volunteers all made the trip, a great turnout for what is always one of the highlights of the koala conservation calendar.
This year’s conference carried the theme “From challenges to solutions: Advancing koala conservation through innovation,” bringing together researchers, carers, vets and policy makers from right across the country to swap ideas and share where the latest koala research and practice is heading.
We were especially proud to see Friends of the Koala on the program this year. Angie and Maria Matthes both gave presentations, and we had four posters on display over the three days, two from Maria and Ina, one from Kate on our Northern Rivers Koala Hospital expansion, and one from Angie.
Dr Kate Thomas, our Superintendent Veterinarian, summed up the experience well:
“Attending the National Koala Conference alongside volunteers and members of our veterinary team was an invaluable opportunity to learn about the latest advances in koala medicine, rehabilitation and conservation. It was inspiring to connect with colleagues from across Australia, share ideas and see the incredible work being done to protect koalas. We returned with new knowledge, fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm that will directly benefit the care we provide to koalas at Friends of the Koala.”
Days like these are a good reminder that we’re part of something much bigger than our own hospital and hometown. Thank you to everyone who organised such a fantastic few days, and to our team for representing Friends of the Koala so well.
If you enjoyed reading, you might also enjoy…
- Building the Future of Koala Care: More on the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital expansion Kate’s poster featured at the conference
- Koala Kindy and Care Centre, July: Our latest monthly update, including koalas currently in our care and hospital expansion progress
- National Koala Conference 2023: A look back at our last National Koala Conference, held in Port Macquarie
