A full-on fortnight of koala conversations
How the Northern Rivers community learned and contributed to koala conservation.
More than 500 people took part in Koala Conversations, a 2-week event in May that aimed to deepen the knowledge of koala conservation in the region.
Participants enjoyed 20 different activities, including:
- a koala celebration family day, where children and adults enjoyed games, crafts, and stories about koalas
- a habitat restoration site visit, where participants learned how to identify and protect koala food trees and corridors
- a koala hospital tour, where visitors saw how injured and sick koalas are cared for and rehabilitated
- a collage workshop, where artists created beautiful artworks using recycled materials and koala images
- a botanical drawing workshop, where participants learned how to draw koala food plants and their features
- a field day for bush regenerators, where professionals shared their skills and knowledge on how to restore koala habitat.
The newly opened section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Bentley and Casino hosted the Koalas in Motion bike ride, another highlight of the event. Cyclists stopped at strategic locations along the trail to talk about koala conservation and habitat restoration. They also joined a working bee to clear a lantana infestation at one of the stops.
A one-day forum at Southern Cross University also featured in the event, where speakers shared their insights on topics such as chlamydia vaccines, population monitoring, fire and cultural connection, habitat restoration, and a regional approach to koala conservation. The forum attracted over 100 attendees who participated in lively discussions.
Koala Conversations was funded by the NSW Koala Strategy and organised by the Northern Rivers Regional Partnership, a collaboration of Friends of the Koala and the region's local councils.
The feedback from the participants and organisers was overwhelmingly positive. They praised the variety, creativity, and quality of the activities, as well as the opportunity to network and learn from each other. They also appreciated the funding and support from the NSW Koala Strategy and the Northern Rivers Regional Partnership.
The event was a great success in raising awareness and capacity for koala conservation in the region. It also showcased the tireless work of Angie Brace, the enthusiastic Working Group, and expert event organisation support from the Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare Network. With the dust barely settled on this year's event, there are already plans for more Koala Conversations next year.
