PORT Stephens Koalas (PSK) hosted a sold-out fundraiser at Horizons Golf Club on Saturday, raising an amazing $12,000 on the night.

Generous donations for raffle prizes, support from local business and, of course, those in attendance all contributed to the success of the event.

“The organisation was formed in June 1987, and many people have strived to save individual koalas and return them to the wild,” president Carmel Northwood said.

“Koala numbers continue to dwindle to a point where it is believed they are no longer just threatened or vulnerable, but endangered. If we don’t do something now, we will lose them forever.”

Port Stephens Koala Hospital will mean that many more people will understand the koalas’ plight.

Council has agreed to spend $2.8million dollars on this project, Port Stephens Koalas has agreed to contribute $200,000 to make up the total $3million project costs.

Port Stephens Koalas already has a NSW Community Building Project grant for $125,000, however, need more funds yet.

We are very grateful that Port Stephens Council has decided to work with us on the hospital.

“Our expert partners will supply power and water to the site, build the buildings, and run the tourism facility so we only have to look after the koala hospital side of things,” Carmel said.

“We will also invite scientists and students to visit and research ways to help our koalas survive.”

As there will be more care and rehabilitation yards, Port Stephens Koalas will be able to help more koalas, and volunteers will be trained and rostered on to help.

Port Stephens Koalas would like to thank their dedicated volunteers and the support received from the general public.

 

By Mandy ELLIS