Generous donation to help koalas impacted by bushfires

The bushfire emergency has affected communities right across NSW and inspired the generosity of many people, young and old, who have reached out to help those directly impacted by the fires.

Two young girls from the Blacktown local government area called into Wollondilly Council’s recovery centre last week to present over $700 which they had raised to help look after koalas caught up in the bushfires.

Tahlia-Ruth Broomham and Lilly Gibbons are 12 year old cousins who were saddened to see television footage of wildlife that had been injured or displaced during the Green Wattle Creek fire.

Motivated to take action, the girls raised money by selling cupcakes, door-knocking and other efforts in their local area and came up with a total of $780.60, which they have presented to the Wollondilly Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “This is an impressive achievement by two young people who cared enough to inspire others in their own neighbourhood to help bushfire affected koalas.”

“Our Wollondilly koalas and other wildlife have taken a hit and it is reassuring to know they haven’t been forgotten during the recovery efforts,” he said.

As a permanent koala hospital has not yet been established in Wollondilly, the money will be passed on along with other donations to WIRES, Sydney Wildlife and South Coast Wildlife Rescue for the direct care and rehabilitation of bushfire impacted koalas.

For tips on the best ways to help native animals, Council has collated information on the 2019/20 Fire Season web page titled ‘Injured Wildlife and Animal Welfare’ which provides links to information available from government departments and other organisations working to care for injured and distressed native wildlife.