MAKEPEACE Island will throw open its doors to host a Save the Koala fundraising luncheon this month in a bid to stop the iconic animal facing extinction.
The $250-a-head luncheon will be held on Friday 30 September as part of Save the Koala month and follows the recent establishment of the Richard Branson Koala Conservancy and a commitment by Makepeace Island owners, Sir Richard Branson and Brett Godfrey, to fund koala research.
A media statement says a 5-year grants program will focus on mitigating koala mortality, with an emphasis on koala health, as well as investigating areas within the Noosa region, for its suitability as long-term koala refugia.
All proceeds from the luncheon will be directed to this work and will add to monies already committed by the owners.
It is understood Makepeace Island will serve as a base for scientific koala research projects due to its proximity to koala habitat along the Noosa River catchment.
Koala experts, Professor of Microbiology Peter Timms and Endeavour Veterinary Ecology managing director Dr Jon Hanger, will lead the program.
Mr Branson said animal conservation was one of his greatest passions.
“I wholeheartedly believe protecting endangered species is one of the most important things any of us can do,” he said.
“We felt compelled to act given the dire state of koalas in the region and with this in mind, we have offered my family’s Australian home, Makepeace Island, as a central site for koala research.”
Mr Godfrey said he believes everyone has a responsibility to help protect the koala.
“More work is required to clearly understand why numbers have declined to crisis levels in the Noosa region,” he said.
“By working with koala experts and other stakeholders over the longer term, we are committed to support reversing the downward trend.”
The Conservancy will establish an advisory board led by Dr Hanger and Prof Timms and the board will be a collegial forum for encouraging a multi-disciplinary approach to local koala efforts and will work collaboratively with government, as well as scientific and community groups.
Tickets to the Save the Koala fundraising luncheon are $250 each and bookings are available online at www.makepeaceisland.com.
Participants will experience an exclusive island tour, indulge in seafood stations and wines and be entertained by XFactor stars Soulcutz.
Mr Godfrey, Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles, Prof Timms and Dr Hanger will address the luncheon.
Ticket holders will receive a special invitation to return to the island for an update on the program.
