Koala Kiss Workshop comes to Gwydir Shire

The Australian Koala Foundation Koala Kiss Workshop arrived at the Apex Park in Warialda in the form of a rather large white bus, first thing Tuesday 14 February 2023. Surely Valentine’s Day would be an auspicious day to start a tour of part of the area destined to become the nation’s first “Koala kiss site”?

Welcomed on board the rather large white bus by Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) chair, Deborah Tabart and her scientific team was a mixed group, having descended from various parts of the country - Brisbane, Melbourne, Lismore, Gunnedah, to Gwydir Shire locals. All folk were eager, enthused, and perhaps eclectic - primarily tasked with becoming information gatherers and acquirers for the purpose of implementing a Human Plan of Management to protect the threatened tree-dwelling icon. The Plan has been devised by the AKF in order to link fragmented habitats and identify regrowth opportunities which will aim to support the health and growth of koalas in the Gwydir Shire initially, expanding futher afield with time.

First stop was Cranky Rock. Impressions were initially those of awe - at the natural beauty, the tranquility and the uniqueness of the site. Thoughts amongst attendess then turned to that of reflection - what makes this a suitable koala habitat, what can we do to preserve and enhance the local enviornment to ensure it can be relied on to maintain koala colonies? Discussion then evolved to the effects of climatic factors on Austrlalian flora and fauna, particularly given we have, in a short space of time, gone from severe drought to flooding.

The school was presented with a koala habitat map of the local area, identifying which areas are primary habitat or secondary habitat. The aim of sharing as much topographical information with landholders and other stakeholders, such as schools, is to map habitats to identify what support needs to be put into place to ensure healthy koala colonies. Discussion points then revolved around regeneration of areas that have been cleared, whether by farming or for other means, and the simple ways that areas can be rejuvenated or restored.

Discussion temporarily abated, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the sighting of a koala mother and joey within the school grounds. Auspicious day indeed.!Just the fuel to light the proverbial fire in attendees’ bellies!

Name labels now affixed to all, interpid workshoppers boarded the bus to make the journey to Delungra Public School. Ryan and Marlie and Principal Toni Withers welcomed attendees to their grounds, explaining their role in supporting local koala colonies.

Back aboard the bus, attendees wended their way towards Bingara, travelling along Bingara Road. Enroute, workshoppers were shown a primary habitat, to aid in identifying what features and vegetation make an ideal habitat for koalas. In considering habitats, there was also much discussion about the use of Travelling Stock Routes as potential habitat sites.

Upon arrival in Bingara, attendees were treated to a riverside lunch under the shade of the Bingara’s Campbell Bridge, nourished with local offerings from Bingara Bakehouse. Again, conversation centred on common connections amongst workshop goers, and how they saw their individual contribution to implementing the Human Plan of Management.

Next stop for workshoppers was The Living Classroom on the outskirts of Bingara. Landcare local, Shelly McDouall, gave a descriptive overview of the site, located on 370 acres of town Common. The land has been transformed into a centre for learning, sharing and functionality, utilised by schools, community groups, event holders and casual visitors alike. Of notable mention was the care taken to maintain the viability of native trees planted during the drought to provide forage for injured koalas by local WIRES carers.

Reboarding the bus in oppressive humidity, a final leg was made back to Warialda to wrap-up the day with a walk and talk through the Warialda Koala Wildlife Reserve followed by dinner in Apex Park.

Day two promised to focus on discussion as follow-up from day one, with participants encouraged to contribute dialogue towards a vision for the Gwydir Shire and nation-wide Koala recovery.

Gwydir Shire Welcomes New Australian

Congratulations to the Gwydir Shire’s newest Australian Citizen, Malona Sulatan, who was made the transition in the Conference Room above the Roxy Theatre, Bingara on Thursday 9 February.

A warm introduction was made by Cr Catherine Egan, welcoming Malona and her impressive entourage of family and friends. After reciting the loyalty pledge to Australia and its values, Malona was then welcomed as an Australian Citizen.

As part of the ceremony, she received a certificate and a native plant as a gift from Council.

Congratulations on your Australian Citizenship Malona, from the entire Gwydir Shire.