THE Australian Koala Foundation is coming to Warialda – and the whole community is invited to meet the team behind Australia’s leading koala conservation efforts.
From Tuesday, October 27 to Thursday, October 30, members of the Brisbane-based AKF team will be in Warialda, connecting with the local retail and online team from the Save The Koala Shop and hosting a special community event to discuss the AKF’s key initiatives.
The visit includes information about the Koala Kiss Project, which aims to protect and connect vital koala habitat across the Gwydir region.
The community is invited to an Open Day at Koala Quarters, formerly the Challenge Building, on Wednesday, October 29 between 10am and 2pm at 2 Hall Street in Warialda.
Snacks and a light lunch will be served, and all community members are asked to drop in, ask questions, and chat with the team.
The Save The Koala Shop on Stephen Street will also be open on Wednesday, October 29, with a special one-day-only 20 per cent discount storewide.
It’s a great chance to support Koala conservation while picking up some thoughtful gifts, and the perfect time to stock up on unique Christmas presents.
Featured collections include stunning artwork of Australian animals Nathan Ferlazzo
bold, fun designs by La La Land and bright, beachy, affordable gifts just in time for the holidays by Banksia Glen.
The team visiting Warialda
Includes Australian Koala Foundation chair, Deborah Tabart, botanist Dr Derek Johnson, GIS specialist Mitchell Peake, finance manager Cesar Alvarado, AKF Research Station manager Ian Harling, retail and online shops manager Christopher Kwan and AKF scientists, Deisy Velandia and Camila Cevallos.
Golden retriever Cilla, the newest – and furriest – member of the team — will also be in Warialda as she undergoes training to work alongside Elvis, the AKF’s beloved dog ambassador.
“Whether you’re a local landholder, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about the AKF’s work, we’d love to meet you,” a spokesperson said.
The Warialda Koala Park and Wildlife Reserve is located on the Gwydir Highway on the western outskirts of Warialda and offers visitors a chance to see koalas in the wild.
Established during the drought in 2019, Warialda local John Hodge created the park to prevent further deaths of koalas trying to access water at the nearby treatment facility.
This was achieved by installing three watering points and planting new habitat featuring food and shelter trees catering to koalas as well as a variety of wildlife.
With the assistance of Gwydir Shire Council, North West Koala A.R.K.S, Northern Slopes/GWYMAC Landcare, Local Land Services, and WIRES the reserve has grown and developed to a wonderful refuge for the local koala and wildlife population.
If a sick or injured animal is found, please contact WIRES 24/7 on 1300 094 737 or Report an Issue.
When visiting the park, guests have an opportunity to view an interpretative signage display, detailing the history of the park, the Koala Life Cycle, Tree Species Planted and Wildlife Emergency Rescue Advice. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
About the Australian Koala Foundation
The Australian Koala Foundation is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the koala and its habitat.
Proud achievements include the recent finalisation of mapping the entire geographic range of the koala, via our Koala Habitat Atlas mapping methodology.
The AKF is also dedicated to a Koala Protection Act.
