New koala, wildlife support group launches after death of well-known carer

A new koala and wildlife support group has launched in the Toowoomba region after the passing of well-known koala carer Clare Glover.

Koala, Land and Wildlife Support is a newly created support group, aimed toward saving local koala populations in the Toowoomba region.

KLAWS was started by Deborah Hansen and Sandra McKay after the passing of friend and Return to the Wild carer Clare Gover.

“It was after Clare’s passing that those around her decided to continue her legacy, her work and to fulfil her dreams of having a working koala wildlife hospital in Toowoomba,” group member Jaymee Wicks said.

Koala, Land and Wildlife Support (KLAWS) volunteers including (front) Sandra McKay and (back, from left) Kiara Hill, Fiona and Deborah Hansen are working to establish a permanent koala hospital north of Toowoomba. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We recognise that so many people were touched by Clare and are helping the koala species in whatever way possible, it’s truly moving to see so many people step up to help our local koala population.”

KLAWS is now able to support local wildlife carers in koala rescue, care, rehabilitation and release and also offers support, education and awareness to the public with the help of experienced and qualified wildlife carer and vet nurse.

Ms Wicks said that after Natalie Fogarty of Vigour Graphics came along the group’s online presence grew.

“Natalie generously offered to sponsor KLAWS by providing a website, graphic and logo design and business cards,” she said.

Koala, Land and Wildlife Support (KLAWS) volunteer and vet nurse Kiara Hill gives cuddles to Natalie the rescue koala. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Natalie’s input has been invaluable, and we could not have been ready to go public without her assistance and dedication”.

To show gratitude to Ms Fogarty, a rescued koala has been named in her honour.

Koala Natalie came into care from Pechey after being found extremely malnourished and underweight.

“She was too young to be on her own and was consequently orphaned. This is common as koalas face many threats in the wild, such as dog attacks, car strikes, the current debilitating drought and even death from heat stress or dehydration,” Ms Wicks said.

“Little Natalie is in the care of a licenced wildlife carer and will take another four to six months to fully recover and grow to a healthy size for release.”

Ms Wicks said summer would continue to exacerbate the threats to koalas in the region and increase the threat of extinction to the species.

“Coming into the fire season with the relentless drought will mean our volunteers and transporters will be working tirelessly around the clock to assist with the koala care, leaf collection, or transportation of injured and ill koalas to koala hospitals outside of the Toowoomba region,” she said.

Koala, Land and Wildlife Support (KLAWS) volunteer and vet nurse Kiara Hill (left) introduces Natalie Fogarty of Vigour Graphics to her namesake Natalie the rescue koala.

In order for KLAWS to continue to support wildlife carers and koalas in the region, they are looking to purchase a much-needed local property currently in use by the group.

The purchase of the property would include its existing infrastructure and allow for carers to undertake vital rehabilitation for injured or sick koalas before they are able to be released.

This infrastructure includes a koala hospital facility, two closed-in recovery enclosures, a number of larger rehabilitation enclosures and the beginnings of a Eucalypt plantation.

Ms Wicks said the purchase of the property would be beneficial to the Toowoomba community and would allow for KLAWS to assist other wildlife carers.

Koala, Land and Wildlife Support (KLAWS) volunteer Kiara Hill (left) introduces Natalie Fogarty of Vigour Graphics to her namesake Natalie the rescue koala.

“Funding from the public is crucial to allow for KLAWS to purchase this property and to continue to undertake koala and wildlife rescues,” she said.

Anyone able to donate or assist in any way, can contact KLAWS on 0427 969 860 or email [e-mail].

KLAWS is encouraging everyone to keep a watchful eye out for koalas in their area.

Keep water out for your wildlife and call 0427 969 860 if you see a koala sitting low in trees, on the ground or anywhere near roads or dogs.

For more information visit www.klaws.org.au.