Over a hundred people gathered at the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve recently to attend the annual Koala Count event.

Narrandera’s Koala Count is one of the longest running citizen science monitoring programs in Australia with people travelling from across the region and beyond, including Queensland and Victoria to participate.

The count was held from 9 am to 12.30 pm, followed by more koala-themed fun at the Koala Festival.

Narrandera Shire Council’s Communications Officer, Jesse McPherson, said the event tracks the koalas that were introduced to the reserve in 1972 and 1974.

“In 1972, one male and three female koalas were introduced into the reserve, over the following two years an additional 19 adult koalas made the Narrandera Flora and Fauna reserve their home,” she said.

“These magnificent creatures have since spread far and wide, and the community are determined to uncover the full extent of their reach. It is reported that 25 koalas were counted this year, with five of them accompanied by their adorable little joeys, bringing the total tally to 30.

“Narrandera Shire Council would like to thank the Koala Regeneration Committee, Narrandera Landcare and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for their effort in coordinating the event.”

After the count, people attended the Narrandera Koala Festival hosted at the Brewery Flat from 1 pm to 5 pm.

All entertainment was free and included great performances from the Krazy Koala puppet show, Bebop Circus workshops, Dinawan’s Connection Dancers and Wildlife and Dreamtime stories.

There was also a range of information stalls and talks by local and regional wildlife and environmental groups, providing valuable insights into nature and conservation.

In line with the theme of conservation and caring for the environment, sustainability focused workshops were also held on the day that engaged people in hands-on experience creating eco- friendly items such as garden crafts, nature crafts and art.

This year’s Koala Count event and festival were made possible with major sponsorship from the NSW Koala Strategy from the Office of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.

If you attended that event Narrandera Shire Council would love to hear your feedback at https://form.jotform.com/bhartmire/Koalafest. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 19 October 2023.