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Production has commenced on the large fibreglass koala sculptures, featuring innovative artistic designs, that will form the Official Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail across the region from September 2014 to December 2015.
ort Macquarie Hastings Council is principal sponsor of the Hello Koalas project. Cr Mike Cusato, Chair of Council’s Tourism and Events Portfolio, believes the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail will be an important local attraction. "Port Macquarie-Hastings has developed a positive reputation for staging major events, particularly food and wine and sporting events. This project will add a unique cultural event to the mix, and be a great visitor attraction. It links with a key message about the importance of our koalas locally as well as providing the opportunity to showcase the talent of local artists and community members. Council would love to see locals embrace the Koalas and hopes that visitors from far and wide will come and see our koalas and enjoy what our region has to offer." Hello Koalas is an ambitious project, involving 50 sculptures, 50 Sponsors, 50 artists and 50 locations around the Port MacquarieHastings region. Hello Koalas Project Manager, Linda Hall commented that a milestone was securing an Australian manufacturer with the expertise and capacity to produce the sculptures. “Our aim was to work with a Mid North Coast manufacturer, and we would like to acknowledge Colin and Alan Steber from
Stebercraft in Taree. Unfortunately timing was not on our side to engage Stebercraft, whose expertise was invaluable in the early stages of the project. Stebercraft referred us to Craft Fibreglass Composites, a Sydney based company, with personal connections to our region.” Craft Fibreglass Composites has over 40 years experience operating as one of the leading manufacturers of fibreglass reinforced plastic industrial products in NSW. The first two sculptures off the production line have arrived. “These sculptures are going ‘on tour’ over the summer holidays to take up residence at sponsor locations and the Koala Hospital. To date, we have the support of more than 20 Community Champions, who have sponsored a koala sculpture, and most open over the Christmas period, so our koalas will be busy! Details of ‘Hello Koalas on Tour’ will be available on our website – www. hellokoalas.com,” said Linda. Hello Koalas Project Director, Margret Meagher was elated by the community’s surprise and pleasure when the FOCUS photo shoot took place on Town Green recently, reinforcing what she expects this project to deliver. “At its simplest level, the enjoyment and fun that comes from the hands-on experiences of cuddling a larger than life koala creates incredible delight on the faces of everyone, whatever their age. One local lady
described the project as “the quintessential event for the Port Macquarie-Hastings.”
and the other at Sails Resort. We are looking forward to revealing the personas for our new additions, with a few little quirky twists! Hello Koala combines the worlds of art and ecotourism, creating a visitor trail to promote and enhance the region and we are excited to be a part of this new project.”
Sponsors are acknowledged as Community Champions because this project will bring so much community engagement, prosperity and inclusiveness for all. Comboyne, Kendall, Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie, Laurieton, Wauchope and Port Macquarie community groups and businesses are all rallying At its simplest together to secure their level, the own sculpture. t and fun
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is keen to have their sculpture decorated with an Aboriginal motif and local artist enjoymen om the Steven Donovan has fr es m that co nces ie er p ex on submitted several sd han rger designs. of cuddling a la
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Community Champion Ashley Roods from Emerald than life ko alaible Downs Residential Primary Health Care creates incred s of ce fa e th Estate and Golf is another Community on ht delig Course commented: Champion to come on everyone” “If the community is board recently, represented involved, the project will by local GP Dr Paul Jones, be financially and socially from the Port Macquarie Medical beneficial to the community, and this and Dental Centre on Hastings River will flow on to our business. We have Drive. been in the region for a long time now Over 80 artist submissions have been received and we wanted to give something back to to date. The Call for Artists will remain open the community; Hello Koalas is a positive way over the December 2013/January 2014 to do this.” period, with the first round of successful Kate Wood Foye from Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges and Rydges Port Macquarie said, “we welcome our Koala friends into the extended Rydges family, with one being based at Zebu Bar + Grill at Rydges
artists announced shortly. To find out more about becoming a Hello Koalas Community Champion, contact Linda Hall by email: linda@hellokoalas.com or telephone 0428 975 650.
L:R Gabriella Carroll – Arts and Health Australia, Margret Meagher – Arts and Health Australia, Cr Mike Cusato – Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Jim Mobbs – Bago Vineyards, Anthony Sarks – Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries,, Lucy, Andrew and Jemma Kowalewski – Discover Media, Brendon Roods – Emerald Downs Residential Estate and Golf Course, Trish Denny – The Observatory Hotel, Chris Slade – Forestry Corporation of NSW, Janette Hyde – Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, Bob Sharpham – Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Chris Denny – The Observatory Hotel, Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu, Charles Sturt University, Dr Muyesser Durer – Charles Sturt University, Kerrie McMahon – World Par-TEA, Christina Cooper – Forestry Corporation of NSW, Michelle Randone – Panthers Port Macquarie Club, Dr Paul Jones – Primary Health Care, Helen Meers – Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Rod McMahon – World Par-TEA, Mark Stone – Billabong Zoo, Linda Hall – Arts and Health Australia, Danena Stone – Billabong Zoo (right front row), Steven Donavan – Sea Acres Rainforest Centre (Centre front row)
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