Australia’s first koala hospital is about to throw open its doors again. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital will officially reopen on Thursday, 12 November, after a $10.7 million transformation six years in the making.
And the celebrations come with a soundtrack. Special guest John Williamson will be there, singing his iconic song Goodbye Blinky Bill at the ribbon-cutting.
“This reopening is a major step forward for koala care, rehabilitation and education,” said Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) Executive Director Marcus Guthrie.
“We are building on decades of experience with facilities that support our wildlife veterinarians, strengthen recovery pathways for koalas and create more opportunities to share knowledge.”
The rebuild, backed by $5 million from the NSW Government, brings together specialist veterinary care, purpose-built rehabilitation facilities, and hands-on learning to give sick and injured koalas the best chance to recover and return to the wild.
New temperature-controlled intensive care units, smart misting systems, and a specialist veterinary clinic will support koalas through treatment and recovery.
Visitors will be able to watch resident koalas and vets at work, through accessible viewing areas, interactive exhibits, and conservation displays.
A new Koala Museum tells the story of decades of rescue work, the 2019 bushfires, and the global GoFundMe campaign that raised $7.9 million and helped set up the Wild Koala Breeding Program at Guulabaa.
The hospital was set up by Jean and Max Starr in 1973. Today, KCA is a not-for-profit charity supported by more than 250 volunteers, and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors a year.
Work experience, internships, and professional learning for students and vets will continue at the new hospital.
“Our purpose is clear – to give koalas the care they need and equip more people to help protect their future,” Guthrie said.
The community can also double its money on opening day. Port Macquarie’s Miedecke Motor Group and Byron Bay-founded furniture brand Koala will each put in $15,000 to match public donations dollar for dollar.
Donations, limited Legacy Day Koala Adoptions, and Koala Care Gifts will be matched up to a combined $30,000. If the full match is reached, $30,000 from the public will become $60,000 for KCA’s conservation and rehabilitation work.
The support matters, because KCA does not receive any ongoing government funding.
“Koalas have been part of our story from day one, so backing the hospital that has cared for them for more than 50 years was an easy decision,” said Koala Strategy and Sustainability Manager Solina Ngov.
“We’re proud to match every gift made for the Grand Reopening of the hospital, so every dollar the community gives goes twice as far for koalas in care.”
“We are so happy to support Koala Conservation Australia through Andrew Miedecke Ford,” said Miedecke Motor Group Dealer Principal George Miedecke.
“As proud locals and members of the community, we’ve seen the good KCA does, and this incredible facility is symbolic of all the things that are so good about the Mid North Coast and Port Macquarie in particular.”
“I can’t wait to see the community get behind this initiative and maximise the outcome for this fantastic organisation!”
Can’t make it on the day? KCA will livestream the reopening on its social media channels.
Supporters can help fund the next chapter of koala care by adopting a resident koala or donating at the Koala Care Corner. For more information, visit koalaconservationaustralia.org.au.
Like what you’re reading? Support North Coast Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now