Australian Koala Foundation, Media Release, 15 June 2026
The Australian Koala Foundation is delighted to have sponsored a new enchanting book celebrating the life of May Gibbs and her love of wild koalas. In fact, she and her husband called themselves Mr. and Mrs. Bear!
Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation regrets not being able to attend the function to be held tomorrow at Nutcote and sends congratulations the author Fiona Starr on a magnificent manuscript. May would be so happy, says Deborah.
The Australian Koala Foundation is thrilled to see May Gibbs now being honoured in the 21st Century. She was the original conservationist and what she said in the 1920’s is still relevant today. Koalas and environment are in trouble.
May has been a life-long inspiration to AKF Chair Deborah Tabart OAM and for all Aussie children, many of who are still scared of the “Banksia Men”. May’s art and stories captured the spirit of Australia’s unique flora and fauna, bringing it into homes and hearts with a sense of childlike wonder. Who can forget Snugglepot and Cuddlepie?
It is a joy and privilege for the AKF to support this publication, which honours May’s life and her beloved home, Nutcote.
Written by Fiona Starr and created for Nutcote’s centenary, this stunning 100-page book brings together May’s own words, artwork, and rich imagery to tell the story of the place she called home.
About the Australian Koala Foundation
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the Koala and its habitat. Our main goals are to refine and update the Koala Habitat Atlas mapping of all wild koala habitat and to get the Koala Protection Act enacted to ensure koalas and their habitat are protected.
Find many articles on koala issues at Open for Debate – Koalas
