Our 2025 Australia Day Ambassador

We are thrilled to announce Ms. Linda Sparrow, co-founder and president of Bangalow Koalas, as our 2025 Moree Plains Shire Australia Day Ambassador.

Linda Sparrow is a passionate environmental advocate whose work is helping to safeguard the future of Australia’s iconic koalas. Since founding Bangalow Koalas in 2019, Linda has spearheaded the planting of over 413,000 trees across 150 properties in New South Wales’s Northern Rivers region, with a goal to reach 500,000 trees by the end of 2025. Her mission is to create ‘koala corridors’ that connect fragmented habitats, ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for koalas and other wildlife.

Beyond her environmental work, Linda has united individuals, families, farmers, and community groups—including Indigenous and Landcare organisations—in a collaborative effort that inspires hope and demonstrates the power of collective action. Her dedication has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being named the Australian Geographic Society’s Conservationist of the Year in 2022 and an Australia Day 2024 Local Hero Nominee in New South Wales.

In reflecting on Linda’s impact, Ray Martin described her at the Australian Geographic Society’s Gala Awards 2022 as “someone you’d definitely want alongside you in the trenches.”

We are honoured to welcome Linda Sparrow to Moree Plains Shire as our Australia Day Ambassador, where she will join us in celebrating the spirit of community and resilience.

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held 8am, Sunday 26 January 2025 at Jellicoe Park, Moree.

For more information on Australia Day events or to learn more about Linda Sparrow’s incredible work, please contact the Moree Plains Community Development on (02) 6757 3222.

Image - Ms. Linda Sparrow