An insight into the lives of koalas is taking place this Sunday with the preview screening of The Koalas at Federal Hall.
Three years in the making The Koalas takes audiences on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters – Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala.
‘From the unfolding stories, we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and the wildlife carers who dedicate their life to these animals. These seven emerge as ambassadors for all koalas facing multiple threats to their ongoing survival,’ explained filmmaker Georgia Wallace-Crabbe.
We have seen announcement after announcement on what the government is doing to save koalas in relation to funding wildlife hospitals, more road signage, cattle grids to slow down cars – but the science tells us that the biggest risk to koalas is loss of habitat.
‘How is the destruction of habitat being allowed to escalate at unprecedented rates? Are environment laws so weak that they can’t protect threatened Species?’ asks Georgia.
‘In southwest Sydney, a key koala colony lies in the path of a proposed housing development. We see the impact on koalas and learn that developers are “playing” with offsets and green corridors. In Victoria, where land was cleared earlier than in other states, translocated koalas persist in plantations, but what happens when the plantations are harvested? Where can the koalas go?’
Mandy Nolan, Greens Candidate the seat of Richmond, is MC of this special ‘fine-cut’ screening of The Koalas documentary and fundraiser.
You can enjoy a little humour, immerse yourself in the captivating stories and stunning visuals that depict the lives of koalas in their natural habitat and contribute to helping finish the film and support local organisations working to safeguard the future of koalas.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
