Friends of the Koala

Miss Johnny, Brendan, Darrel, Victoria, Canada, Jane and Baldwin. Those are the names of the 7 Koala's being cared for by the Friends of the Koala at their care centre in Lismore, when I visited recently.

These 7 koala's are just a few of the 100's who pass through the centre each year with most being cared for elsewhere. When I visited there were 5 others who were in a more serious condition and were sent to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. There were also 11 others being cared for by private carers.

Barb with the Community Wildlife Conservation Award

I spoke with Barb Dobner, the Care Co-ordinator for the Koala Care Centre in Rifle Range Road, East Lismore. Barb, has been volunteering since 2001 and stressed that they were almost totally reliant upon the public donations. "We receive a small amount of money from local government, but the rest is fundraising from local supporter," Barb said, "We are a 100% volunteer organisation, no one is paid. So every cent we raise goes to looking after the animals. They are our priority." You certainly can not doubt the passion of these koala carers.

Friends of the Koala covers the whole Northern Rivers area, which is also know to be one of the best areas for koala numbers, but there is not a lot of data on the local koala population. Barb would like to hear from people who spot koala's in their area. "We get calls for injured koala's, but would love to hear about any sightings as we need more information on the koala population." It is surprising that an animal which is so low in numbers, is not more highly studied. It is practically our national symbol, yet you realise how rare a sighting is when you see one, even in the care centre.

Stephaine & Liam enjoying the tour

You will often see the Friends of the Koala at the local Markets doing fundraising and selling native trees. You can also buy the tree's from their Nursery, which is a great way to support their work. Another great way is to take a tour of the koala care centre and see what they do for yourself. While I was there, Stephanie and her son Liam were enjoying a tour and finding out more about koala's. "It was always something I wanted to do," Stephanie said, "and the holidays seemed like the perfect time to do it." The Koala Care Centre runs tours at 10am and 2pm each weekday and 9:30am on Saturdays. They ask for a $3 per person, or $10 per family donation, to support the centre. Use the contact information at the bottom to book your tour.

This is a great group of people who deserve their Community Wildlife Conservation Award for 2006. It is a national award that goes to only one group each year. So if you have some spare time, Friends of the Koala is always looking for more volunteers and there are many different ways you can help at the centre, nursery or even collecting leaves for the koala's in care. Call the centre today on 02 6622 1233 or visit their website for more information and book a tour today so you can help preserve this great Australian icon.

www.friendsofthekoala.org

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