On Wednesday, 30 October, the Environmental group, led by Ms Campbell-Ellis, and Tiana Macinnis set off on a fun and educational day to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to see how our sponsorship of Trevor the koala is supporting their organisation. 

One of the guides who works at the facility, gave us a deeper insight into why their work is so important.  Throughout the day we learned more about two of the main programs they have running.  One of these is the koala breeding program, which aims to keep healthy populations strong by focusing on genetic diversity.  Their selection of mating partners is very strict, due to risk of disease.  Ensuring only the best chance for future koala populations.  Another program they have running is their release program, which is designed to rehabilitate sick or injured koalas and return them back to their colony. 

Back Row Left to Right:  Shiloh Herzberg Nicholls, Bonnie McMaster, Kloe Scott, Tiana Macinnis & Shae-Lee Lacey
Front Row Left to Right:  Hayley Ainley & Evie Solomon

However, due to permanent injuries or health issues, like blindness or neurological problems, some of these koalas cannot be released back into the wild.  These koalas are now “permanent residents”, who we were able to see and take pictures of during the day!  The hospital makes sure these enduring members are very happy in their enclosures, with fresh leaves, morning and night, and consistent health check-ups.  These encounters gave us a new appreciation for the level of care needed to ensure these koalas are all well looked after. 

The visit was much more than an educational experience.  It demonstrated to us why our support is essential.  Seeing how much an impact disease, habitat loss and bushfires have on a much-loved Australian icon made it clear every bit of help, including our sponsorship, plays a big role in protecting the future of koalas.

Shae-Lee Lacey
Year 11