Hello Koala Lovers,

We’ve reached that point in the year where the AKF team and I take a short summer break for Christmas and New Year.

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024, I want to personally thank you all for your support this year. When we had the idea of organising the Koala Army’s March for Creatures Great and Small, we had no way of knowing whether it would be successful or whether our message would be heard. I have to say, arriving at King’s Park on September 1st and seeing all of the colourful costumes and fanfare from the loyal wildlife lovers who had braved the windy weather to march with us was the highlight of my year. I still smile thinking about it, and what we achieved that day. I’ve noticed a lot more support gathering for the Koala Protection Act, which has always been the AKF’s driving force behind everything we do, each and every day. So for that, thank you.

As we all know, enacting political change is not easy. It’s a long road and we’ve already been walking it for several years. But, I have faith. As I said this time last year, we know that the existing legislation fails not only the Koala but all creatures great and small. When Minister Plibersek was sworn into office, we were promised a new EPBC Act, and as predicted, it has not gone anywhere. I sense that 2025 will bring a new government and with it, my 16th environment minister. Perhaps it will also bring about a new set of eyes and ears, and people in the right seats who will do the right thing by our Australian wildlife. Have faith in independent candidates like Senator David Pocock. He’s on the page and will be a catalyst for new legislation that actually works.

As always, the AKF will stick to our knitting, but rest assured we will be watching.

I am looking ahead now to 2025 and can’t wait to share some of our projects with you. Stay tuned!

Have a safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones, and I will see you next year.

Deborah