Saving koalas one 'Konversation' at a time

Regional partners Southern New England Landcare recently hosted Koala Konversations, a vibrant community engagement event held at the Welders Dog Brewery in Armidale.

Over 120 community members gathered for an evening of insightful discussion led by a panel of leading koala experts. The panel explored the latest developments in koala genomics, local survey efforts, and conservation actions supported by the NSW Koala Strategy. Speakers included:

• Carolyn Hogg, Professor of Biodiversity and Conservation and co-lead of the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group at the University of Sydney who highlighted koalas in northern NSW exhibit high genetic diversity, which is crucial for the long term survival of the species.
• Dr Romane Cristescu, Director of Detection Dogs for Conservation and Senior Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast, demonstrated cutting-edge technology used for ecological surveys and introduced 'Bear', a specially trained koala detection dog.
• Tim Scanlon, Threatened Species Project Officer, National Parks and Wildlife Service emphasised the importance of habitat restoration and how maintaining and enhancing habitats allows koalas and other species to adapt and move through the landscape.
• John Lemon, Ecologist at JML Environment Consultants discussed the ongoing decline of koalas in the region, highlighting alarming trends exacerbated by climate change.

The event sparked lively discussion during a question and answer session and highlighted the importance of local conservation efforts. In support of wildlife care, $2 from every Koala Beer sold on the night was donated to local wildlife carers. Funds raised covered the costs for 2 additional regional wildlife carers to attend the wildlife rehabilitation course held by Koala Conservation Australia at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Koalas in the Northern Tablelands – particularly around Armidale – are among 19 populations across the state identified as priorities for immediate investment under the NSW Koala Strategy. This region plays a vital role in koala conservation, with low-density but widespread populations that are largely free from coastal development pressures.