Koala Foundation

The Australian Koala Foundation and the Rotary Club of Wendouree, Vic. (District 9780), joined with the City of Ballarat to re-establish a habitat for koalas and other wildlife living on the city’s fringes. Dubbed The Koala Squad, the project is a long-term strategy aimed at linking fragmented habitats and creating wildlife corridors to allow the migration of animals. Save-the-Koala month celebrations were launched this year (2001) with a special tree planting exercise at the rear of Pioneer Park, Wendouree. Some 500 trees were planted by 10 Rotarians and Koala Foundation liaison officer Rolf Schlagloth, assisted by his daughter, Anneleise. Rolf said the project provided an important link with existing native vegetation. Wendouree Rotary President Barry Hughes sees dual benefits in the project, improving Ballarat’s environment and providing fun and fellowship for Rotarians.

The Koala project was submitted to Preserve Planet Earth Water & Environment district committee for an award.