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Gum Tips
September 2020
Welcome Introducing Updates
NEW VET & NEW GUULAGU KOALA WILD KOALA BREEDING
PROGRAM MANAGER CUSTODIANS & WILDLIFE DRINKING
JOIN HOSPITAL STATIONS
KEEPING KOALAS WILD
Thanks to overwhelming support Koalas across both New South Wales (NSW) and
Queensland have been in serious decline for
from people across Australia many years. Many organisations including the Port
and the world, the Wild Koala Macquarie Koala Hospital have been endeavouring to
Breeding Program is now a major reverse this decline for a very, very long time. Taking
in sick and injured wild koalas for treatment and care,
goal for the Hospital. tree planting, research into disease and behaviour,
conservation and management of existing habitats
are critically important tools in achieving this goal. Of
course, much more needs to be done.
High on the wish list for the Koala Hospital for many
years has been a wild koala breeding program where
progeny bred from ‘breeding stock’ are released to
repopulate depleted populations throughout New
South Wales.
To achieve this goal requires us to work in
collaboration with a number of organisations and
to conduct this program following strict scientific
methodology. We are honoured to be the only facility
in Australia (indeed the world) to be entrusted with
this vital project.
It is important to say here that the recent horrific
bushfires of 2019 and 2020 and all the disasters that
resulted from them, actually had one silver lining. To
develop a robust and appropriate wild koala breeding
program is an expensive venture, and the incredible
level of donations from people all over the world is
now supporting and enabling this work. Donations
and support came from concerned individuals and
families, as well as businesses and organisations who
read and watched the media reports and responded
A young joey has been brought in for her weekly check-up at so quickly and so generously. We will always be
the Hospital’s clinic. In homecare, she is given every support grateful to everyone for enabling us to not only
possible to help her reach breeding age.
Front cover image: Ballina Franklin is a stunning young male koala, who is now a permanent resident at the Port Macquarie Koala
Hospital. Unfortunately Franklin is not suitable for release back to the wild, but he is an excellent, healthy candidate for breeding!
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P2
provide the wildlife drinking stations (see
pages 6 and 7), but to also now put in place the
breeding program.
We are currently at the planning and
development stage. This involves forming
agreements between all the relevant
collaborators and partners, planning and
design of enclosures (which are quite specific),
setting up stud books, applying for all the
relevant scientific permits and working within
the guidelines and support of the NSW
Government.
A review of ten Australian threatened
species conservation breeding programs,
commissioned by the Koala Hospital, was
recently completed. Findings from this review
will be a useful guide to assist the planning
and management processes. The wild koala
breeding program must stand up to rigorous
scientific scrutiny so it is imperative that we get
the foundations right before we go ahead.
It is indeed a work in progress and we are well
on the way to achieving a major goal for the
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital – to rebuild wild Three in a tree! Three juvenile koalas climb a large eucalypt in
the Koala Hospital’s dehumanising yard. Along with other young
koala populations across New South Wales. koalas, they are preparing for release back to the wild soon, where
Watch this space! we hope they will successfully breed.
CONTENTS
Keeping koalas wild.........................................................2 A warm welcome to Dr Phillipa Beale........................11
Report by Clinical Director, Cheyne Flanagan............4 Recycling project showcases children’s art...............12
Report by President, Sue Ashton..................................5 Hospital activity..............................................................13
Wildlife drinking stations in three states.....................6 Guulagu Koala Custodians...........................................14
Restoring koala habitat in the Hastings-Macleay.......8 Koala Kids........................................................................15
New Koala Hospital will be world class......................10
GUM TIPS is the official newsletter of Koala Conservation Australia Disclaimer Koala Conservation Australia Inc. and the Management
Inc. and is published quarterly. Committee do not accept any liability for the results of any actions taken
Editor: Becky Harrington or not taken, on the basis of information given or discussed with groups
Contributors: Cheyne Flanagan, Sue Ashton, Rebecca Montague- or other organised events, meetings and/or for information provided
Drake, Phillipa Beale, Matt Whatman, Arlene McInherny, Becky by speakers or for any information published for or on behalf of the
Harrington organisation, its organs and officers.
Photography (unless individually credited): Carole Grant AFIP, FAPS,
Scott Castle, Gaby Rivett, Peggy Eather, Sue Ashton, Becky Harrington
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P3
REPORT BY
CLINICAL
DIRECTOR,
CHEYNE
FLANAGAN
Cheyne Flanagan recently celebrated 20 years as Clinical Director
with the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital! Thank you, Cheyne, for your
leadership, good humour and sheer hard work over so many years.
Everyone at the Hospital wishes you every success in your exciting,
new role as Director of the Wild Koala Breeding Program.
The Koala Hospital like everyone put in place by the government and We would really like to take this
else has found 2020 a challenging so far we have not had any issues. opportunity to thank all our
year. Drought, bushfires, floods The welfare of the volunteers, staff supporters world-wide for amazing
and COVID-19. So many have and of course our koala patients is donations to help us reverse the
asked how we are coping. Due paramount. decline of wild koalas - we cannot
to an excellent team spirit we do this work without your help.
The numbers of koalas admitted
have all coped well so far with the
to the hospital has been slightly We would also like to thank Philips
daily work going on the just same
lower than normal over the last few Australia who recently donated a
behind the scenes.
months, but with breeding season brand new ultrasound machine. It
In the first wave of COVID-19, we now underway, this is likely to is an amazing piece of technology
employed a strategy of having change. and every time it is used, we
two separate teams doing all the discover more useful applications.
Due to the amount of koalas
koala care - one morning team Sonography is a very important
lost during the drought and the
and one afternoon team who did diagnostic tool in koala medicine
bushfires we are likely to see major
not come into contact with each and we would be lost without it.
changes in the urban and peri-
other. The goal here was to ensure
urban populations of koalas over Due to really good recent rainfall
the koalas would still receive first
the next five years. and predicted weather pattern
class care if for example a morning
modelling for next summer, we
team became sick or had to self- Our dream and goal of breeding
are hoping that the likelihood of
isolate. We would then have a wild koalas for conservation
major bushfire events will be low.
back-up team ie the afternoon purposes is getting closer to reality
Hopefully many lessons have been
shift to take over and vice versa. It with an enormous amount of work
learned and management of forest
worked well. We started to relax a and planning occurring as we
systems will change for the better
little, but given the second wave of speak. Now more than ever there
in the future.
infection in NSW and Victoria we is an urgent need to undertake
have reverted to separate teams. this work and we are in a first class We wish everyone good health and
We all follow the strict guidelines position to achieve this. stay safe during this difficult time.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P4
REPORT BY PRESIDENT,
SUE ASHTON
As the year unfolds, we continue to face project and are in the early days of
many challenges. The bush fires and planning.
the outpouring of support from local,
The breeding program will be fully
national and international communities,
funded with donations made to the
has brought about significant changes
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital’s Go
for the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
Fund Me® account, ‘Help Thirsty
November 2019 through to March Koalas’. In a way the public, who so
2020, we were in operational and kindly donated to the account, are also
survival modes. Each day, we needed owners of the breeding program. We
to find people to work in the yards, are honoured to act on their behalf as
caring for the 79 koalas we had at the the facilitators of a program that we are
hospital or to sit by the phone and determined will start to rebuild the wild
handle the many enquiries and offers koala population in New South Wales.
of help and support we received. Learn more in the Keeping Koalas Wild
article in this magazine.
The community’s support through
financial donations was overwhelming In other news, this month we welcome
and has enabled us to bring forward a a new addition to our staff. Dr Phillipa
long-term goal, to develop the world’s Beale joins the Port Macquarie Koala
first wild koala breeding program. Hospital as its Clinical Director and
Cheyne Flanagan, who recently
This program brings with it huge
celebrated 20 years with the hospital,
responsibilities - to koalas, donors and
moves to become the Director of the
the community. We are discovering
Wild Koala Breeding Program.
there is much to learn and we are
determined to ‘get it right’ and offer These are busy and exciting times for
a best practice wild koala breeding the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, and
program. We have identified the key I thank you for your ongoing interest
partners and key stakeholders for the and support.
IMPORTANT!
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is open 7 days a week
(excluding Christmas Day).
But owing to COVID-19, YOU MUST BOOK your visit online in advance.
To book go to www.koalahospital.org.au
We look forward to welcoming you to the Koala Hospital.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P5
KOALA HOSPITAL’S
DRINKING STATIONS
NOW IN THREE STATES
Wildlife drinking
stations are now
supporting precious
animals and birds.
Readers and supporters will be
aware that the outstanding level of
donations sparked by the horrific
bushfire season of 2019/2020,
is enabling the Port Macquarie
Koala Hospital to fast track two
important new projects. As well as
the Wild Koala Breeding Program
the Hospital also continues to
make and deploy wildlife drinking
stations, the original focus of the Students at Tinonee Public School take a closer look at the drinking stations (image
GoFundMe® campaign. courtesy of Tinonee PS).
We are pleased to report that 400 kms inland. The Hospital north of Woodburn, four drinking
140 drinking stations have been worked with NSW Government’s stations have been deployed
built, the majority now deployed Saving Our Species program and with the support of the Jali
in New South Wales with one also Conservation Volunteers Local Aboriginal Land Council
each in Victoria and Queensland. Australia, Friends of the Koala in within Ngunya Jargoon; this is an
Agreements are in place for each Lismore and Koala Gardens at Indigenous Protected Area, where
station to ensure that they are Tuckurimba. Sites were selected tragically 80% of the land had been
locally managed and maintained based on impact from drought and
on an ongoing basis, particularly impacted by bushfire. Further
fire, and to support biodiversity
vital as we move towards summer. south in NSW, many stations are
hotspots. The stations are mostly
now doing their vital job in the Blue
More than thirty of the Koala on private land and passionate
Mountains, and as far as Bathurst.
Hospital drinking stations have landholders are crucial to the
been strategically placed across success of the drinking stations, In the state of Victoria, Tehree
northern NSW from Byron Bay on ensuring upkeep of the drinkers and Hamish Gordon have set up
the coast across to Moree, nearly into the future. Near Wardell, a drinking station on their private,
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P6
unfenced wildlife sanctuary within a call for two stations from Karen and students took responsibility
Castlemaine Diggings National Austin, Principal of Tinonee Public for ensuring the water was
Heritage Park. Many species of School, near Taree. The school is topped up and kept fresh. Karen
birds, as well as koalas, possums, adjacent to known koala habitat, Austin explained how excited the
wombats, wallabies and kangaroos and students and teachers often school now is to have the new
all live within, or pass through enjoy sightings; it is not unusual drinking stations installed, and
this important sanctuary; all now for a couple of local regulars going forward the students will
benefit from access to fresh water. to actually cross the school help to monitor and maintain
Passionate conservationists, yard, whereupon the children them, ensuring they are always
Tehree and Hamish have also quietly stop what they are doing, important water sources for local
owned and managed the Dingo respecting the koalas’ right to wildlife. Karen Austin said, ‘We
Conservation Centre there for 15
safety and access to their habitat. are humbled to be able to do
years where pure-bred dingos
something to help koalas and other
are now breeding and flourishing In November 2019, Tinonee School
animals and birds. Students who
under their protection. came under threat from bushfire
are experiencing anxiety or stress
and was evacuated and while the
One of the Koala Hospital drinking are often helped by quiet time
school was spared, the devastation
stations was recently delivered amongst the koala trees, watching
to the surrounding environment
to private land between the and looking for these peaceful
meant the school decided to
Tallebudgera and Currumbin creatures, illustrating just how
act. Five water containers were
valleys in southern Queensland. No much we humans need the animals
natural water source exists on the placed amongst the koala food
and the environment.’
property, adding significant stress trees adjacent to the school for
to wildlife during times of fire and all stressed and needy wildlife,
drought. The property owner was
delighted to report that the first
koala visited on the second evening
after installation, announcing his
presence with very noisy bellowing!
We already have reports of at least
five more regular koala visitors,
including juveniles to the drinker.
The area is home to many other
species of animals and birds, all
potential users and beneficiaries.
Of course, our drinking stations
have been, and continue to be
deployed closer to Port Macquarie,
in coastal and hinterland areas of
the Mid North Coast. A few weeks A drinking station being set up in blackened bush in the Blue Mountains earlier this
ago we were delighted to receive year (image courtesy of KDVideo for Science for Wildlife).
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P7
RESTORING KOALA HABITAT:
UPDATE BY THE HASTINGS-MACLEAY
KOALA RECOVERY PARTNERSHIP
How can we ever forget the community nurseries to grow koala food) has the best possible
devastating bushfires which and supply appropriate koala combination of nutrients.
swept through the Hastings- food and habitat tree species
Post Fire Koala Habitat Recovery
Macleay Region last summer? according to provenance and land
type. It is important to use locally- Program
While many eucalypts in our
region can re-sprout following sourced trees when undertaking
low/moderate intensity fires, planting programs due to complex
Projects will target
fires of severe intensity, such as relationships between soil areas of high
chemistry, leaf nutrients and koala
were experienced in many places soil fertility and
last summer, will kill them. Many gut microbiomes. The participating
people are now thinking about nurseries are the Pandanus connectivity.
replanting fire-affected areas and Nursery, located at South West
cleared portions of their rural Rocks, Grassy Head Nursery
Within the Hastings-Macleay,
properties in order to mitigate and the Bass’n’Bull Native Plant
both the Macleay Landcare
habitat losses. The Hastings- Nursery in Bellbrook. Three seed
Network and Hastings Landcare
Macleay Area of Regional Koala collection days have already been
undertaken by keen volunteers Incorporated were the recipients
Significance has been fortunate to
and Landcare Coordinator, Andy of ‘WIRES Landcare Australia
receive funding through several
Vinter (see photo). The Koala Wildlife Relief and Recovery
avenues to help people undertake
Recovery Partnership is providing Grants’. The money will be used
these works. Associated projects
in-kind support, particularly in the to revegetate areas with koala
are outlined below.
identification of suitable species feed, shelter and nitrogen-fixing
Tree Change for Koalas in the for propagation and areas for species using contractors or
Macleay seed collection. Andy and Koala materials. This is a real win for
Ecologist, Rebecca Montague- participating landholders, who
This project will Drake are also working on often want to replant areas, but
have limited time or funds to do
include species likely educational material to support
the planting and maintenance.
the project. This project is unique
to be important in a in that in addition to propagating While only relatively small areas
hotter, drier world. the most common koala feed trees, can be revegetated through this
the nurseries will also propagate scheme, the projects will target
species likely to be important for areas of high soil fertility and
The Macleay Landcare Network koalas in a hotter, drier world , connectivity, so as to have the best
received a Konica Minolta important shelter trees and also possible outcomes for koalas and
Landcare Grant to help implement ‘nitrogen fixing species’. Such other wildlife. The Koala Recovery
its Tree Change for Koalas project. species are often overlooked when Partnership will help guide the
This project will support the restoring koala habitat but ensure best areas for plantings to occur
capacity of three volunteer-run that the eucalypt leaf (that is, the and species selection.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P8
Keen Macleay Landcare Network volunteers ready for a big day collecting koala habitat
tree seeds! L to R: Larry Vincent, Graeme Carrad, Andy Vinter (Landcare Coodinator),
Claudia Petrie, David Adams, Wendy Kaczan, Chris Kaczan (image courtesy of Mark Ryan).
Koala Habitat Planting Map species do better on the coast, Grafton Nursery. These trees go
or in the hinterland, on creeks like hot cakes, showing that we
The right trees in or ridge-tops. This is a great have many people in the region
tool which can guide planting
the right location for wanting to help koalas!
projects and support landholders
maximum benefit. undertaking habitat restoration.
The Koala Recovery Partnership
thanks all the committed
The product is available online at:
volunteers associated with the
https://arcg.is/1SbPf1 or google
This product has been created by above programs, our keen local
‘Koala Habitat Planting Map’.
the Koala Recovery Partnership. Landcare Coordinators, Andy
The webpage has some great
Property owners and land Vinter and Stephen Allwood, and
information about managing
managers in either the Kempsey most importantly, the landholders
restoration programs and outlines
or Port Macquarie-Hastings who are enabling habitat
ways that planting koala habitat
Local Government Areas, can restoration works on their lands.
can benefit other species as well.
click on an area of the map at The Hastings-Macleay Koala
fine-scale, and be provided with Annual Free Koala Food Tree Recovery Partnership is proudly
an appropriate list of koala feed Distribution funded by the NSW Government's
trees and nitrogen-fixing species Managed by the Port Macquarie Saving Our Species program, the Port
for that location. The mantra of Koala Hospital, this program Macquarie Koala Hospital, Kempsey
the product is ‘The right trees in continues to provide landholders Shire Council, Port Macquarie-
the right location for maximum with free koala feed trees, kindly Hastings Council, and hosted by the
benefit’. This is important as some donated by the Forest Corp Mid North Coast Joint Organisation.
If you are interested in restoring koala habitat on your property, or would like information about
these programs, please contact the Koala Recovery Partnership on 0480 230 128 or email us at
rebecca.montague-drake@mncjo.nsw.gov.au. We are here to help!
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P9
NEW KOALA HOSPITAL
WILL BE STATE OF THE ART
World-class tourism sector himself, having played in the coming months. These
an important voluntary role as architects have been selected
destination will retain Chairman of the local Nature for their experience in ecological
the Koala Hospital’s School in Port Macquarie in recent sustainable development, working
unique natural setting years. As Program Manager at in a natural environment, iconic
the Koala Hospital, Matt will architecture, tourism and their
and magnificent native also oversee the design and alignment to the Koala Hospital’s
trees. construction works needed for our vision.
other major new project, the Wild
Over the coming weeks, visitors
Koala Breeding Program (see pages
In 2019, the Port Macquarie Koala and volunteers may notice
2 and 3).
Hospital received incredibly activities at the Koala Hospital
exciting news. Our application The new Koala Hospital is in the related to the redevelopment.
to New South Wales (NSW) pre-construction phase, meaning As well as surveying work, an
Government for a grant to rebuild that planning is underway to arborist will be recording all the
the Hospital had been successful! define how this project will be trees within the development
delivered over the next couple ‘footprint’. After the koalas
Funded entirely by private of years. Key planning elements themselves, the trees are one of
donations since it started in include a facilities brief, refinement
1973, the much-loved and well- the most important aspects of
of the budget and timelines,
used Hospital is in need of major the redevelopment. A priority
decisions about how we will
change and renovation in order to within architectural designs is the
engage with consultants, builders
continue best practice in treatment retention of the magnificent native
and stakeholders, and setting the
of koalas, to further improve the trees which are a feature of the
reporting requirements. Soon a
visitor experience, and to increase Koala Hospital and Roto House.
consultant will be engaged, and
education, training and research This project is proudly funded by
the design, consultations and
facilities. Whilst we will continue the NSW Government’s Restart
approvals will be completed to
to depend on public generosity NSW program in association with
enable construction to commence.
for running costs, this substantial Koala Conservation Australia Inc.
grant of $5 million is now enabling The Koala Hospital is adjacent to
us to rebuild the Hospital and the heritage building,
deliver a new, world-class nature- Roto House, and located
based tourism destination. within a National Park,
which means a number
Program Manager, Matt Whatman,
of requirements of the
joined the Koala Hospital in June
NSW National Parks
2020, with the responsibility
and Wildlife Service
to manage and oversee the
must be met. These
redevelopment. We are delighted
include an amendment
to welcome Matt on board; he
to the current Plans of
comes with more than 12 years’
Management, various
experience in client-side project
environmental approvals
management and is motivated
and a design certification.
by the Koala Hospital’s vision.
Koala Hospital Program Manager, Matt Whatman,
Matt also has experience and Five shortlisted architects enjoys a little downtime with permanent resident,
understanding of the volunteer will provide quotations Emerald Downs Mary.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P10A WARM
WELCOME TO
DR PHILLIPA
BEALE BSC DVM PHD
Dr Pip Beale
Veterinarian, Phillipa and common brushtail and within forests on the mid north
ringtail possums. Her PhD coast and on the south coast of
(Pip), takes up the role studies enabled her to learn New South Wales. She was also
of Clinical Director more about how animal health involved with koala husbandry
at the Koala Hospital intersects with the environment when thirty koalas were rescued
in a wildlife setting. Her research from the recent bushfires and
from September. explored how changes in ambient housed at the Australian National
temperature impact nutrition in University.
marsupial folivores (leaf eaters), Pip also loves science outreach and
Interested all her life in
such as koalas and possums. communication and contributes
conservation of natural
This fascinating topic has direct to the popular science journal,
ecosystems and in animals,
applications for management ‘Conservation Physiology in Action’.
Pip started university with a
of marsupial (and indeed
biology degree at the University Pip told us, 'I am really excited
other herbivore) populations
of New South Wales Sydney. to become part of the team at
going forward, as feeding is so
Wanting to understand more the Koala Hospital and to be
fundamental to their existence.
about how animals functioned able to combine my veterinary
on the inside, she went on to Pip explains, 'While further background with koala research.
undertake a Doctor of Veterinary research is needed, my project It feels like a really practical
Medicine at the University highlighted how climate change will way to be able to contribute to
of Melbourne. During these alter the nutritional requirements conservation of koalas and with
studies Pip remained focused on of herbivores, and how, in order to so many animals through the
wildlife health and undertook an conserve populations of animals door, we can try to answer a lot of
elective in conservation medicine into the future, we must take this important questions.'
and a placement at a zoo. She into account. If we are setting
Outside of work and academia,
also received an Anne Martin aside habitat for koalas, we need
Pip enjoys the outdoors, yoga
Scholarship to attend the Wildlife to consider that individual trees
and occasionally trying to surf.
Disease Association conference in differ in their chemistry. Knowing
'Perhaps in Port Macquarie, I will
Cairns. the species is not enough, we must
become an actual surfer, rather
actually measure the nutritional
Pip continued to pursue her than an aspirational surfer!' Pip
quality of forests and scale up for
interest in wildlife conservation also enjoys creative pursuits
the future.'
through research and completed including painting as well as
a PhD at the Australian National Following completion of her PhD, listening to music, reading all sorts
University in ecology and Pip worked as a field assistant on of books, and cooking up a storm
evolution, focusing on koalas projects assessing koala habitat in the kitchen.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P11RECYCLING PROJECT
SHOWCASES
CHILDREN’S KOALA ART
Recycling stations and saw the opportunity to involve we also thank SNAP Print &
local children in getting visitors Design, Port Macquarie, for their
have become to take notice of the recycling excellent print production of
exhibition points for information and bins around the the children’s artworks. Peggy
colourful artwork by Hospital. created clear, bright information
signage in multiple languages to
local school students. Working with fellow volunteer
accompany the new bins. Anne is
and artist, Peggy Eather, Anne
delighted with the results of the
approached local schools to take
project because the eye-catching
A new recycling project at the Port part in an art competition to
recycling points are encouraging
Macquarie Koala Hospital has create colourful, original pictures
visitors to dispose of their waste
become a win-win initiative. to decorate the bins. Schools
appropriately, and generating
Not only are we now successfully responded with enthusiasm, some income for the Koala
managing our recycling and and criteria for judging included Hospital. She said, “It has been
earning funds through the originality and artistic merit, clarity great to work with local schools
*‘Return & Earn’ scheme, but also of message, and use of colour. too. There is so much creativity
the large waste bins throughout Twelve lucky winners have already out there, and these children really
the Hospital have become received their gift packs of koala- understand the importance of
exhibition points for colourful related prizes. In addition, once recycling and the environment.
artworks by local primary COVID-19 regulations allow, the They were delighted to be helping
schoolchildren. winning students will be treated us help koalas too.’
to a VIP tour of the Koala Hospital
The project was developed by *‘Return and Earn’ has sites at 600
with the chance to learn more
Koala Hospital volunteer, Anne locations across NSW where the
about the animals and how we
Ditton, who realised much more public can deposit eligible drink
treat and care for them.
could be done to effectively containers and earn 10 cents a
manage our waste. She was keen We are grateful to recycling and container. Launched in December
to do better for the environment waste management company, J 2017, the scheme has collected over
and earn funds for the Hospital. R Richards & Sons, who donated 2 billion drink containers, helping to
But Anne also has an eye for art brand new bins for the project; reduce volume of litter in NSW.
Australian Owned
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GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P12Winning students from Hastings Public School, St Joseph's Primary School and Heritage Christian School are presented with their
koala gift packs. Also shown here is some of the eye-catching student artwork displayed on our recycling bins.
HOSPITAL
REASON FOR ADMITTANCE TO KOALA HOSPITAL
Chlamydia 5
ACTIVITY Motor Vehicle Accident
Unsafe location
5
16
(MAY – JULY 2020)
Other 9
OUTCOMES
Released following health checks, treatment 19
Dead on arrival, died or euthanased 16
The data above indicates that fewer koala patients have been admitted over these cooler, winter months than in
the hectic, preceding summer and bushfire season. With breeding season starting again from August, we expect
koala numbers to increase.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P13Two of 26 koalas released locally back
to the wild by the Koala Hospital earlier
this year. After the 2019/2020 fire
season, forest had fortunately recovered
enough for them to be returned in April.
Images courtesy of Port Macquarie
Hastings Council.
GUULAGU
KOALA
CUSTODIANS
Guulagu Koala Custodians is a as koala, but Arlene says g in the community on a small
new voice for koalas, a group and k are joint sounds in her scale. The group has started to
of community members from language and the correct local brainstorm many different ideas,
the Port Macquarie area with word is Guula. Guula is her great much of them framed around
a focus on social advocacy for grandfather’s name, and Arlene education and social advocacy.
koala conservation. During the named her son, Guula to honour They seek legislation reform to
2019/2020 fires, a conversation the connection to the koala. Arlene prioritise koala conservation.
was sparked and local aboriginal says that it is important to model
and non-aboriginal people came caring for totem animals to our Meaning ‘for koalas’,
together to start to explore ideas children, ‘We have a cultural and ‘Guulagu’ is a local
around koala conservation and a spiritual obligation to care for the koala advocacy
holistic model. Arlene McInherny, environment and in particular our
who has helped lead the group, is totems’.
group seeking new
a Birpai traditional owner who has
When Guulagu Koala Custodians
participants.
strong family ties to the koala. The
started many people participated,
koala is her great grandfather’s
concerned about the survival of Guulagu Koala Custodians will
totem.
the koalas. There continues to be coming together again. If you
When Guruk or what is known be immense knowledge within are interested in being part of
now as Port Macquarie was the group, some people having this community group, please
colonised, the Birpai word for more than 20 years’ experience in email guulagukoalacustodians@
koala was heard as “coola”, and koala ecology. Other people are gmail.com . Aboriginal and non-
this was translated into English following a variety of strategies aboriginal people are all welcome.
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P14HABITAT LOSS: NUMBER ONE THREAT!
Wild koalas are found from west
Clearing of eucalypt forests to harvest timber or to
of Cairns in Far North Queensland
make way for housing, roads or other development is
right down into South Australia,
a major threat to koala populations.
with the vast majority of the
populations on the coastal side of
the mountain ranges right down CHLAMYDIA
into Victoria. Koalas rely almost Chlamydia is a bacterial disease that can affect
totally on the moisture they obtain the eyes and/or the internal organs of the koala.
from the eucalypt leaf they eat, Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics but the
therefore most populations are koala is never completely cured.
found occupying better quality
eucalyptus forests close to water MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
courses and more fertile soils. Animals hit by a car can suffer terrible injuries
Where koalas are able to live in and many do not survive. Unless a koala is
undisturbed forests, free of human rescued after an accident and provided with
interference, the colonies tend appropriate care it will most likely die.
to be much healthier and do not
suffer the diseases and problems DOG ATTACKS
that koalas face which live at the When a koala wanders into the territory of a
human/bush interface such as domestic dog in search of food, the dog will often
urban and rural areas. attack to protect their territory. A koala is no match
for a dog, and the injuries may not be very obvious
externally. Tragically, the koala has usually suffered
horrific internal injuries that are beyond treatment.
Domesticated pets such as dogs and cats can be a
threat to much of Australian native wildlife.
Across
1. A disease threatening koalas
4. A group of animals living in
the same area
7. .................... are used to treat
chlamydia
8. The type of tree from which a
koala obtains food
10. Koalas obtain .....................
from eucalyptus leaves
Down
2. Suitable or proper
3. A .............. animal lives with humans
5. Physical damage or hurt
6. Animals that are not domesticated
9. An illness or sickness
Wildlife / 9. Disease
Down: 2. Appropriate / 3. Domesticated / 5. Injury / 6.
Eucalyptus / 10. Moisture
Across: 1. Chlamydia / 4. Population / 7. Antibiotics / 8.
Answers
GUM TIPS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | P15Koala Emergency Rescue Line -
Phone (02) 6584 1522
If you sight a koala in distress - call our
Rescue Line 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
E: info@koalahospital.org.au koalahospital
General Enquiries: 02 6584 1522
www.koalahospital.org.au
ADOPT A WILD KOALA
…and help the Koala Hospital’s vital work
Evans Head CW is a young male
koala, who was found injured and
walking in circles. He was treated
first by Friends of the Koala in
Lismore.
He was named ‘Cangleska
Wakan’, meaning 'Sacred Circle',
and became ‘CW’ for short. Poor
CW had a ruptured eye, head
trauma, and other lesser injuries,
likely from a car accident. The
trauma meant that his head
tilt and slightly unstable gait
continued. He also developed
chlamydia temporarily.
The good news is that CW
has responded well to all
treatment. However his minor,
but permanent, brain injury will
prevent him from surviving in
the wild. The Port Macquarie
Koala Hospital welcomed CW
with open arms onto our team
of permanent koalas, and he has
settled well into our care.
Evans Head CW is just one of the wonderful koala characters you can adopt at
www.koalahospital.org.au/adopt-a-koala
Koala Conservation Australia Inc.
ABN 74 060 854 479 | PO Box 236, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Licensed to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and
orphaned native fauna under Licence No. 10044You can also read
