Tour Guides Australia continues our series of FREE webinars focusing on unique aspects and features in regions across Australia.

Our upcoming webinar focuses on Sydney, though we will be travelling virtually a little further north to Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital.

We know that our international tour guests are always interested in our iconic wildlife, and especially concerned about the status of koalas in NSW after the recent bushfires. We have a wonderful opportunity to update our knowledge about koalas and how they are faring post-disaster.

This unique licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility was established in 1973 by local shop keepers, concerned about injured and sick koalas. Today the hospital is a popular tourist attraction. Thousands of national and international visitors are welcomed here every year. Entry is free.

Facilities at the Koala Hospital include:

• exhibit enclosures
• a treatment clinic, intensive care and rehabilitation units (including trees to help koalas learn to climb again)
• Koalaseum - a museum providing information on koala evolution, biology and sensory experiences for visitors
• ... and for preparation, take a look at their fascinating General Koala Information page

Anne Ditton, Education Coordinator, has kindly offered to present TGA members with a webinar covering:

• latest research about koalas, eg. Did you know they can eat more than eucalyptus leaves?
• Koala Hospital - history, development, programs
• impact of the NSW bushfires on koalas
• the role that tour guides can play - promoting visits to rehabilitation facilities, educating our guests, appropriate vs inappropriate guest experiences

Anne joined Koala Conservation Australia (which runs the Koala Hospital) in 2019, just before the terrible bushfires of 2019-2020. Education Coordinator for almost two years, she is also a koala care team leader, an experienced rescuer, public presenter and WHS group member which includes responsibility for waste management.

Maria Doherty, General Manager at the Koala Hospital since July 2022, will introduce Anne.

After booking, and closer to the event, you will receive an email reminder with instructions to join the webinar.