Friends Of The Koala Inc
This charity is dedicated to preventing koala extinction through conservation efforts, rescue operations, and habitat restoration, supported by volunteer involvement and community contributions, making a meaningful impact for over 37 years.
East Lismore, NSW (view contact and location information)
ABN: 69322819171
Founded on ,
registered as a charity on the
ACNC Charity Register
since .
How This Charity Supports the Community
Friends of the Koala Inc is a dedicated Australian organisation committed to the conservation and protection of koalas, particularly in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Established in 1986, it operates the only dedicated Koala Hospital in the Northern Rivers, providing critical care and rehabilitation for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. The organisation combines rescue efforts with habitat restoration and community education to ensure the survival of this iconic species.
Mission and Vision
The core mission of Friends of the Koala is to make a significant contribution to Australia’s biodiversity by ensuring the conservation of koalas and the preservation and enhancement of their natural habitat. Their vision is to secure a future where koalas thrive in the wild, supported by healthy ecosystems and informed communities.
Main Objectives
- Rescue, treat, rehabilitate, and release koalas in need through their 24/7 rescue service and hospital facilities.
- Protect and restore koala habitat by planting native trees and advising landowners and community groups.
- Conduct research on koala health issues, including disease management such as chlamydia.
- Engage and educate the public to raise awareness and foster community involvement in koala conservation.
- Advocate for koala protection at local, state, and national levels.
Benefiting Groups
Friends of the Koala primarily benefits wild koalas by improving their chances of survival and recovery. Additionally, the organisation supports local landholders, conservation volunteers, researchers, and the broader community by promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Services and Activities
- Operating the largest Koala Hospital on the East Coast, providing specialised veterinary care.
- Running a 24-hour koala rescue hotline to respond to koalas in distress.
- Managing extensive habitat restoration projects, including distributing hundreds of thousands of native plants.
- Offering community education programs and resources to increase public knowledge and involvement.
- Facilitating koala adoption programs and volunteer opportunities to support conservation efforts.
- Conducting groundbreaking research and soon opening a Research & Diagnostics Laboratory to advance koala health science.
Communities and Groups They Support
Explore the Work of Friends Of The Koala Inc Through Images and Stories
Discover how Friends Of The Koala Inc creates safer communities through their work. Visit their social media channels to follow their daily efforts, updates, and inspiring stories making a real impact.
All photos and videos are © Friends Of The Koala Inc and have been sourced from their official website.
Support Friends Of The Koala Inc Through Donations
Support the charity’s vital work by making a donation. Every contribution helps them continue their mission.
Their official Australian Business Number (ABN) is 69322819171 for your reference.
See FAQs about donating to Friends Of The Koala Inc:
Why should I donate to Friends of the Koala?
Friends of the Koala is one of the oldest koala charities in Australia, committed to all aspects of koala protection. With over 37 years of hands-on conservation efforts, they focus on habitat restoration, education, advocacy, rescue and treatment of koalas, and research into disease prevention. Your donation goes directly to supporting these efforts. With a limited team of staff and over 200 volunteers, they operate efficiently to ensure every cent directly contributes to protecting koalas and their habitat.
Are my donations tax deductible?
It depends on your location. In Australia, donations over $2 to their fund are tax deductible, so remember to keep your receipts. However, donations are not tax deductible for those based in other countries.
Can I get a certificate for my donation?
Every donation comes with a receipt. If you adopt a tree or become a Joey Buddies member, you also receive a certificate. Donations over $500 can request a donation certificate by emailing them.
Can I donate to a specific koala?
All donations fund the most pressing welfare, conservation, and advocacy activities at any given time, ensuring each koala receives the best possible care. If you want to connect your donation to a specific koala, you can and receive a personalised certificate and their story.
Who is Friends of the Koala?
Friends of the Koala is a dedicated non-profit organization based in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1989, they work to protect the koala population in the Northern Rivers region. With a focus on rescue, rehabilitation, research, habitat restoration, advocacy, and community engagement, they operate a 24/7 rescue hotline, a Koala Hospital, and lead research projects and education efforts. They also distribute over 110,000 trees annually through their community plant nursery.
Why is Friends of the Koala a more effective charity to support?
Friends of the Koala uniquely focuses on all aspects of koala conservation, which makes them especially effective. Their holistic approach, combined with grassroots dedication and collaboration with partners, ensures maximum impact. Over 200 volunteers contribute more than 55,000 hours per year, keeping operational costs low so your donation goes further. Additionally, their hospital provides expert care exclusively for koalas.
What makes Friends of the Koala special?
Founded by passionate individuals over 30 years ago, Friends of the Koala maintains a grassroots spirit centred on local koalas and their habitats. Their committed volunteers, holistic conservation approach, educational outreach, partnerships, and expert veterinary care ensure top-quality support for koala welfare. Every donation or hour spent volunteering translates into significant conservation achievements in support of these iconic Australian marsupials.
Dedicated Volunteer Opportunities with Koalas
Volunteering with Friends of the Koala offers an unforgettable experience. Dedicated volunteers in Lismore, Northern Rivers, or even remotely, contribute significantly to saving koalas. Nearly 240 volunteers from around the globe provide essential support to this cause.
New volunteers are welcomed at any time and can develop new skills in a supportive and safe environment. Opportunities range from being a Koala Carer to Leafing Volunteer and Hotline Operator. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and adhere to a two-month probationary period to ensure they meet operational standards.
The organisation values volunteers’ passion and commitment, offering comprehensive training and a chance to work closely with koalas. For those wishing to support from home, hotline operator roles are available, requiring a smartphone and internet access. Join Friends of the Koala and make a genuine impact.
Visit Friends Of The Koala Inc’s official website to explore volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved.
Contact Friends Of The Koala Inc and Follow Their Work
Follow this charity on their social media channels. Stay updated with the latest news, events, and inspiring stories to see how they make a difference every day.
Get in touch with this charity for details, support or collaboration.
23 Rifle Range Road
East Lismore NSW 2480
Australia
Source of information and last update date:
The information on this profile has been sourced from the ACNC Registered Charities dataset and the organisation’s own website.
The last review was completed on
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