It was a very wet night but Friends of the Koala members braved it to participate in the Lismore Lantern Parade. Luck had it that the rain stopped for a short time while the actual parade took place.

The new lantern was effective when luminated, looking like a worried koala as they should with what is currently happening on the koala front in the Northern Rivers. It crouched on its bamboo frame, paw grasping its leaf. This new lantern is made with silk on a wire frame making it more robust for future use. The battery lasted the entire distance, which is always a bonus.

Gumnut carriers, looking lovely in their olive capes, led the way while Burribi (the koala suit) did his thing of meeting and greeting the kids who called out - koala, koala!

Peter Clarke did extraordinarily well to to keep the suit on for the entire parade as it is extremely hot and uncomfortable. His efforts are well worth it. The faces on some of the children as they shook hands, had a cuddle or high fived this big koala are absolutely priceless. A HUGE thankyou to Peter.

The lantern carriers looked fantastic in their costumes made up by Phyllis. Thanks again to Phyllis for taking the time to organise and make the costumes.

A big thankyou also to Pam and Miranda for organising the making of this years new koala lantern.

Well done to all!!!!!!!!!