Port Macquarie Koala Hospital hosts successful open day on March 31 | photos

During the hospital’s major fundraising event on Saturday, March 31, many visitors took advantage of the information available about our national icon.

Koala Hospital media coordinator Sue Ashton said the open day was a great day.

“This is our major fundraiser for the year,” she said.

“As a not-for-profit facility, we receive no government funding and have to rely on bequests, donations and funds raised on days like this.

“This centre – a world first – costs $650,000 a year to operate. Every cent raised from today goes, in part, toward the cost of keeping the doors open.”

Mrs Ashton said the family fun day included stalls, entertainment, food and plenty of fun.

Many local businesses have contributed to the day via gifts or food including a major raffle, she said.

While the emphasis is on family fun, the day is also about raising awareness into the work carried out at the Koala Hospital.

“Our priority is the rescue, rehabilitation and release of koalas back into the wild,” Mrs Ashton said.

“Our work also includes working closely with NSW Uni and Queensland Uni and providing information and support where fires have devastated areas where there are koala populations.

“We also recently hosted a visit from the head of the Australian exhibits at a German zoo. We hope to establish a stronger relationship with that zoo to provide advice, assistance and guidance for their work in the care of koalas.”

Koala Hospital president Jane Duxberry said the other key areas for the centre were in education and conservation.

“Primarily today is about fundraising for the koala hospital so we can continue the wonderful work we carry out here,” she said.