Friends of the Koala

MEDIA RELEASE

19 October 2009

Building Fund for new Koala Care and Research Centre launched at AGM

This year’s Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Koala saw the launch of a fundraising drive to build a larger and better equipped Koala Care and Research Centre for the Northern Rivers. After many years of operating from its East Lismore location, the current facility is struggling to meet the needs of the region’s threatened koala population. Throughout the year, admittances frequently exceed capacity.

Returning Officer, well known retired Lismore Veterinarian and President-elect of the Australian Veterinary Association NSW Division, Dr. Geoff Tomkins had this to say, “Since I started working with the Friends of the Koala, back in the late 1980s, the number of active volunteers has grown along with the number of koalas they care for. The Koala Care Centre has developed into a multi-use facility where sick and injured koalas are admitted and assessed, accommodated while receiving treatment and where most of the day-time rescue hotline shifts are conducted. Unfortunately there is nowhere for specialised care nor adequate facilities for the ever-increasing services its volunteers deliver 24 by 7, 365 days a year.”

Dr. Tomkins went on to say, “The new facility will include indoor/outdoor educational areas where the community can learn about what they can do to ensure the protection of this iconic little Aussie for future generations of Australians. It will also serve to support scientific research in conjunction with Southern Cross University and other universities. Longer term planning includes a wildlife veterinary clinic for the region’s koalas along with the professional staff to run it.”

For more information on how you can contribute to the Koala Care and Research Centre Building Fund, visit the Friends of the Koala website at www.friendsofthekoala.org  Donations, whether made on-line, by cheque or cash should clearly indicate they are for the Building Fund. Friends of the Koala is endorsed as a tax deductible gift recipient on the Register of Environmental Organisations.

For more information about the project contact:

Lorraine Vass, President, Friends of the Koala, 6629 8388