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October 20, 2026

Alarm raised over increase in koalas killed by cars

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The leading koala conservation organisation in the Northern Rivers say it is ‘deeply concerned about the alarming rise in the number of koalas hit and killed by cars in the region’. 

Friends of the Koala is urging the public to exercise heightened caution while driving, to avoid further harm to all wildlife. 

Save these numbers 

A spokesperson said, ‘If you see a koala that looks injured, dead or is close to a road, call the 24/7 rescue team on 6622 1233 immediately’. 

‘Save this number, and the phone numbers of Northern Rivers wildlife rescue organisations in your phone, so you are ready to report any sightings: Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers 6628 1866, WIRES 1300 094 737, and Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers 6672 4789. 

‘Over the past month, Friends of the Koala has witnessed a distressing surge in koala car hits across the Northern Rivers, with six koalas dying just this week’.



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Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

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A timeless story of self-discovery

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