The whole community, including urban dwellers, landholders, local government representatives and wildlife carers are being invited to a free event where the spotlight will be on koalas – literally!

“We’d like to involve anyone who has an interest in retaining and increasing koala populations in the region through better management and planning,” said Karen Zirkler, Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare who are hosting the event.

Koala conservation is becoming increasingly important in the southern New England region as part of the Northern Tablelands Koala Strategy.

Although not listed as endangered by any Australian state, their population has been devastated over the last hundred years and is currently under great threat due to urbanisation and habitat destruction.

“Koala experts David Carr and John Lemon will be on hand at the event to help participants learn best practice for koala habitat management, key threats to koalas and how to reduce them, and what to do when we find a sick or injured koala,” said Karen.

“We will be spotlighting for koalas on the night, so we would really like to see children and students join us to enjoy the thrill of seeing those big wide eyes looking at us from above,” she said.

Landcare Coordinators will also be on hand to share information on trapping feral cats and Indian Mynas, including where and how to hire traps.

“As well as helping the Koalas, we really need to reduce the impacts of cats and Indian Mynas on other native wildlife as well,” said Karen.

The event will be held from 5-8pm on Wednesday 15th May, beginning at the Walcha Bowling Club and finishing with spotlighting in bushland nearby where koalas are known to be found.

A light supper will be provided so those interested in participating are requested to rsvp to Southern New England Landcare by Friday 10th May on 672 9123 or mail@snelandcare.org.au. 

A flier with all the details is available here and we welcome everyone to share it around! A media release is available here https://snelandcare.org.au/landcare-news/latest-news/598-koalas-in-the-spotlight.html.