The Noosa Biosphere Wild Koala Gala is set to be a celebration of community action for koala conservation and sustainable living in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
The highly anticipated event will be held at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas on Tuesday 2 November to raise awareness and much-needed funds to save Noosa’s treasured wild koala population.
Hosted by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) with event partner, Queensland Koala Crusaders, this year’s Wild Koala Gala shines a light on what we can all do to secure a future for our precious koalas.
Rex Halverson, Chair of the NBRF says the Wild Koala Gala is an opportunity to frock up for a cause and be empowered to take action to protect the future of Noosa’s koala population.
“We’re fortunate in Noosa to have a significant wild koala population, however, their long-term survival in the area is under constant threat. Our aim for the Gala is for the community to hear about the ground-breaking research and on-ground action being undertaken in the Noosa Biosphere, and to be inspired to learn how Noosa could become known as Australia’s leading koala conservation community,” said Mr Halverson.
Local koala experts will present their innovative research, including Professor Peter Timms, University of the Sunshine Coast, Dr Romane Cristescu, USC Detection Dogs for Conservation, Meghan Halverson, Queensland Koala Crusaders, Rosie Booth, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and Rachel Lyons, Noosa & District Landcare.
Guests can expect an exciting afternoon of great food and entertainment with celebrity chef Matt Golinski serving a sumptuous two-course menu with amuse bouche and matching wines, while guests are treated to an eco-fashion parade with prizes for best dressed, plus an after-party on the Terrace with pop-up bar by Land & Sea Brewery.
A silent auction will help kickstart a new Wild Koala Fund with all proceeds from the event going towards developing a shire-wide koala conservation, research and education initiative.
Meghan Halverson, Ambassador for Queensland Koala Crusaders said the organisation embraced collaboration in koala conservation efforts.
“Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation’s Wild Koala Initiative is an important step in working towards a better future for our local koala population and we are excited to be involved in the Gala and support the new initiative,” said Mrs Halverson.
The inaugural Noosa Biosphere Awards will be launched this year, recognising the people, organisations and businesses championing environmental and sustainability excellence. Category award winners will be announced at the event.
Tickets to the Noosa Biosphere Wild Koala Gala are now on sale at noosabiosphere.org.au/gala
